Edison Ford Celebrates Viva Florida with Special Exhibit February – November
February 24, 2013
On Thomas Edison’s 166th birthday (February 11, 2013) the Edison & Ford Winter
Estates will open a special exhibit in the historic Edison Caretaker’s House, “Discovering Southwest Florida
with Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.”
The exhibit features a collection of historic photographs of Edison and Ford’s favorite pastimes in Southwest Florida accompanied with contemporary photographs and artifacts from the Edison Ford collection.
Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and their families came to Southwest Florida more than a hundred years ago when Fort Myers boasted only a few hundred families. They established riverside neighboring estates, a botanical laboratory, and research gardens from 1885 through the 1930s. They vacationed in Fort Myers and continued working on important projects. They also explored Florida and enjoyed the beaches, waterways, fishing, hunting and visits from their famous friends. In the process they contributed greatly to the history and development of the region. In fact, Edison’s quote, “there is only one Fort Myers and ninety million people are going to find out” became a reality as the area grew.
“The exhibit is a great opportunity to share Southwest Florida history and natural resources with residents and visitors from all over the world,” say Chris Pendleton, president & CEO. “The Edison and Ford families enjoying much of what we enjoy today about Southwest Florida, fishing, shelling, boating, paddling, and exploring.”
In partnership with Visit Florida, the exhibit celebrates Viva Florida 500, a yearlong commemoration highlighting 500 years of historic people, places, and events in present-day Florida, since the arrival of Juan Ponce de Leon in 1513, to the land he named “La Florida.” The Lee County Library System has scheduled a host of programs and events to highlight Southwest Florida’s treasured history. For more information visit the Lee County Library System, or for a listing of statewide events visit Viva Florida online.
