Your Passport to Arts, History, and Marine Heritage
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Your Passport to Arts, History, and Marine Heritage |
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Opened
on February 11, 2001, the Thomas Edison Depot
Museum was the second satellite facility to open of what is now known as the
Port Huron Museums. It is housed inside the historic Fort Gratiot depot built in 1858 by the
Grand Trunk Railway, and is the actual depot that Thomas Edison worked out of as
a news butcher between 1859 and 1863. Trains connecting here carried people and freight between
Port Huron and Detroit, Point Edward/Sarnia (Ontario), and other destinations,
linking Port Huron to the world.
The exhibits portray Edison's multi-faceted story of creativity, family support, adversity, perseverance, and ultimate triumph as the greatest inventor of our times. Re-created period environments and hands-on inter actives invite visitors to become participants in this inspiring story and encourage them to apply their own creativity and ingenuity as they learn about Edison's life and his inventions.
The story traces the Edison family's relocation from Ohio to Port Huron, young Tom's boyhood and school experiences, his avid curiosity and scientific study fostered by his mother, adolescent entrepreneurial efforts and his work on trains in this very depot. A transitional area depicts Edison's struggles as a young adult as he drifted from one job to another, experiencing repeated setbacks in his inventions. This leads into the story of Edison the inventor. His successes and great contributions to society are presented through a sit-down theater experience, live science presentations, and hands-on inter actives.
In his writings and conversations, Thomas Edison often referred to his formative years in Port Huron. It is a place rich in history with connections to many great people and events. Outdoor exhibits surround the depot, providing insights into this heritage, highlighting Native American settlements, historic forts, the city's transportation links, and its importance as an immigration gateway to the United States.
Railroad Baggage Car
Outside the depot, a restored baggage car rests on a spur of railroad track. Inside this baggage car, visitors discover a re-creation of young Edison's mobile chemistry lab and printing shop. This is also the unique setting for the Museum's gift shop, encouraging visitors to take home part of their experience at the Thomas Edison Depot Museum.
History of the Baggage Car/ Combine
The depot museum has two major special events each year, the Thomas Edison Birthday Celebration (held the Saturday closest to Edison's actual Birthday of February 11th) and the Hobo Festival, held the last weekend of September. In the past, these events have included telegraphy and phonograph displays, demonstration of a galley proof press similar to that Edison would have used, and live music and entertainment.
In 2004, to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the Electric Light Bulb, a rededication was done of the Edison Rock in Pine Grove Park, which commemorates the playground of Thomas Edison, as his time spent here. It was also a chance for Hollywood star Mickey Rooney, who stared in the movie "Young Tom Edison," to return to Port Huron for the first time since the debut of the movie in 1940.
Also the 2004 event, through the help of members of the Steam Railroading Institute of Owosso, Michigan, and the Huckleberry Railroad of Flint, Michigan, the 0-4-0 steam locomotive Flagg Coal Company #75, owned by the of father and son team of John & Barney Grambling, made demonstration runs in front of the depot, courtesy of Canadian National North America. This was the first operating steam locomotive in Port Huron since 1972, make it a momentous occasion:
Steam Railroading Institute: http://www.mstrp.com/
Click on the light bulbs to view some of the exhibits and inter actives in the Thomas Edison Depot Museum. All Aboard!
Email: depot@phmuseum.org
© HRI 2004