Rain Barrels and nursery - Edison Estates

August at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates is highlighted with a Free Teachers Day, Sneak Peak Tours for Estate Members and the Estates Inventor’s Summer Camp as well as a variety of other special programs throughout the month of August. The August schedule of programs and events include:

Sneak Peek Tours for Estates Members only, August 15, 29, September 19,

26, 10:30 a.m.

This summer the Estates is offering a new first time, behind-the-scenes

tours inside the Edison and Ford homes by the Estates President & CEO,

Chris Pendleton and the Estates Curator, Pamela Miner. These unique

tours are offered at no cost to Estates members only. In addition lunch

will be served in the Edison Caretaker’s House following the tour for

$15 per person. Due to the intimate nature of “Sneak Peek Tours,” space

is limited and registration is required. To become an Estates member

call the Estates Membership office at 239-334-7419, to receive free

admission to the Estates and hundreds of museums and gardens throughout

the United States, discounts and an inside look into the homes of two of

the nations greatest inventors and their families.

New Exhibit Opening: “Music, Movies, & Dance with Edison & Ford” August

2009. Opening in August, this special exhibit focuses on the interests and

inventions of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford related to music, dance and

the movies. The exhibit will include a collection of phonographs,

projectors and other artifacts connected to sound, music and the movies.

The exhibit will also include viewing of early Edison silent films,

performances of period music on the Edison piano and other related

program activities throughout the year. The exhibit is free with any

paid Estates admission and Estates Members are free.

Estates Inventor’s Summer Camp – Programs for grades 1st – 3rd and 4th

– 6th. Space Still Available. Registration is still open for summer camp at the Estates for a one of a

kind experience, discovering, learning, inventing and creating to make

learning fun.

All camp sessions will be held in the historic Edison Caretaker’s House

(air-conditioned) although some of the activities will be held in the

Estates outdoor program buildings. Camp sessions begin at 9 a.m. and

end at either 3 or 4 p.m. depending on the session. Cost for

each camp session is $200 for Estates Members; $230 for non-members.

Registration is required. To register call the Estates Education

Department at 239-334-7419.

* Session 8: “Spaceships & Rockets” August 3 – 7; Grades 1st –

3rd.

Campers will explore the outer reaches of the universe with our resident

spaceman. Visit planets, collect samples, float on our Lunar Lander and

much more during this five day adventure.

* Session 9: “Movie Making Magic” August 10 – 14; Grades 4th –

6th.

Campers will act, direct, operate cameras and build sets as they become

fully immersed in the art of film making.

Campers will explore the power of sound energy as they learn the genius

of Thomas Edison and his phonograph.

Mini Inventors Club, Session 1: August 10 & 11; Session 2: August 12

& 13; for incoming Pre-K and Kindergarteners; 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Learning while having fun, little campers (accompanied by an adult),

will make new friends as they discover and explore the Edison and Ford

homes, gardens, lab and Museum; participate in science and art

activities and enjoy story-time with “Mr. and Mrs. Edison.” Registration

required. Estates Members $10; non members $25 (includes one adult and

one child, additional children $5).

New Volunteer Orientation, August 11, 10 a.m.

Join Estates staff to learn about volunteer opportunities, Estates

policies and general museum information. This is a mandatory training

for all new Estates volunteers but potential volunteers are welcome.

Estates Volunteer Summer Event, August 13, 2 p.m.

Estates volunteers are invited to a special preview of the newest

Estates exhibit “Music, Movies & Dance with the Edisons and Fords.” The

event will include a musical performance on the antique Edison piano by

Bob Willover accompanied by a sing-a-long. Refreshments will be served.

Registration is required.

Docent Training, August 20, 9 a.m.

New Estates volunteers who are interested in becoming Edison & Ford

porch, Lab and Museum docents, or leading a group tour of the Estates

grounds must attend this mandatory meeting.

Quilting Demonstration, August 22, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Quilter’s from the Southwest Florida Quilter’s Guild will

demonstrate quilting techniques in the Edison Caretaker’s House.

Members of the Guild will be available to answer questions on techniques

and care. In the early 1900s Henry Ford collected, celebrated and

displayed quilts and other historical objects. The Southwest Florida

Quilter’s Guild presented the Estates with a replica Ford Collection

Quilt that is on exhibit in the Estates Museum. Demonstration is free

with purchase of Estates home and garden tour ticket.

Free Day for Educators, School Staff & their families, August 22, Tours

at 10 a.m. and noon

Teachers, school staff and their families who visit the Estates receive

free admission all day. Estates educational materials will be available

for use in classroom curriculums. Educators and school staff must

present a school issued identification badge to receive free admission.

Tours designed for educators are at 10 a.m. and noon and registration is

required. To register call the Estates Education Department at

239-334-7419.

Summer Discounts for Florida Residents and Seniors in August

The Estates is offering significant discounts for Florida residents and

seniors (55+). Florida residents will receive $5 off a Estates tour

ticket which includes the historic homes, gardens, Museum and Lab.

Seniors will receive a 50 percent discount off admission between the hours of 9

and 10 a.m.

Estates at Downtown Farmers’ Market, Every Thursday beginning August 6,

7 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The Estates Garden Shoppe will participate in the Downtown Farmers’

Market located in the Centennial Park parking lot. The Estates joins

fruit, vegetable, and fresh flower vendors in this 14-year tradition.

The Estates will offer herbs, heritage plants, garden supplies, and

garden items available for purchase. Estates members will receive a 10 percent

discount.

Become a Fan on Facebook

The Estates has joined Facebook. You must have a Facebook account to

become a fan. Simply login and search for the Edison & Ford Winter

Estates, click “become a fan” at the top of the page and you will

receive updates on Estates events and programs.

The Estates is open daily from 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. The Estates was

awarded the 2009 National Trust for Historic Preservation Award and is

an official project of “Save America’s Treasures” at the National Trust

for Historic Preservation, a Florida Historic Landmark and a National

Register Historic Site. For additional information call 239-334-7419 or

visit the web site at www.efwefla.org.