Thomas Edison National Historical Park
Designation: National Historical Park
Location: New Jersey
📘 Park Overview
Today, the brick buildings on Main Street in West Orange, NJ seem quiet, betraying little evidence of the research, development, and innovation of their heyday. Visitors can step back in time to Thomas Edison’s home and laboratory, when machines were run by belts and pulleys and music was played on phonographs. Discover where America’s greatest inventor changed our world forever.
🌤 Weather Information
Spring and Fall weather can be cool, while summer is usually warm and humid. Winter is frequently snowy and cold. It is recommended that visitors dress for the weather. Visitors may need jackets or rain gear as they will be walking between buildings as they tour the park during inclement weather. Please keep any rain gear/umbrellas with you during your visit.
🚗 Directions
From the Garden State Parkway take exit 145 or from the New Jersey Turnpike take Exit 15W to Route 280 West. Take Route 280 West to Exit 10. Turn right onto Northfield Avenue. At second light turn left onto Main Street. Go about 0.75 mile to parking on left and Laboratory Complex on the right. From Route 280 East take exit 9. Turn left onto Mt. Pleasant Avenue. At second traffic light turn left onto Main Street. Go about 0.50 mile to parking on left and Laboratory Complex on the right.
Images
Thomas Edison purchased Glenmont as a wedding present for his wife Mina in 1886, for the cost of $125,000 USD.
Credit: NPS Photo
One of main machine shops, where Thomas Edison and his staff worked on research and development, prototypes, and products.
Credit: NPS Photo
Thomas Edison's poured concrete garage houses both electric and gas powered vehicles belonging to the Edison family.
Credit: NPS Photo
Just as Thomas Edison did every morning, visitors can walk in his footsteps by entering the laboratory complex's iron main gate.
Credit: NPS Photo
The Black Maria was the first building built for the recording of motion pictures. This exact replica of the original was built as a movie set for the film "Edison the Man", starring Spencer Tracy, in 1954.
Credit: NPS Photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
Entrance Passes
3-Day Weather Forecast
Sunday, Feb 15
Sunny
High: 49.5°F | Low: 28°F
Humidity: 64%
Wind: 8.3 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 0.4
Sunrise: 06:51 AM
Sunset: 05:32 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (7%)
Visibility: 4 mi
Dew Point: 28.9°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Monday, Feb 16
Patchy moderate snow
High: 35.1°F | Low: 27.1°F
Humidity: 84%
Wind: 9.2 mph
Rain Chance: 62%
UV Index: 0.5
Sunrise: 06:49 AM
Sunset: 05:33 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (2%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 28.3°F
Cloud Cover: 62%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Tuesday, Feb 17
Freezing fog
High: 43.9°F | Low: 31.5°F
Humidity: 95%
Wind: 6.9 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 0.4
Sunrise: 06:48 AM
Sunset: 05:34 PM
Moon: New Moon (0%)
Visibility: 3 mi
Dew Point: 35.5°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Edison's Christmas Carol Film Screening
Join us at the Thomas Edison National Historical Park for a viewing of Edison’s 1910 film, “A Christmas Carol”. Learn about the Edison Studio’s innovations in special effects and storytelling, all while experiencing an early adaptation the classic Christmas tale. The film will be shown in the Visitor Center Theater on select times throughout the day.
Date: Dec 21, 2025 12:00am to Dec 21, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
211 Main Street
West Orange, NJ 07052
🏤 Mailing Address:
211 Main Street
West Orange, NJ 07052
📞 Voice Phone: 973-736-0550
📞 Fax Phone: 973-736-6567
✉️ Email: edis.interpretation@gmail.com