Garden Tour (Registration Required)
Horticulturalists lead behind-the-scenes garden tours which include 20 acres of historic gardens, crop gardens, propagating nursery, and Garden
Shoppe full of exotic, heritage and edible plants for gardens and containers.
The garden tour is offered the second Wednesday of the month, and tickets go on sale online the first of each month for that month’s tour. Registration is limited – click here for online ticketing and click on the “Garden Tour” link.
Members: $30, non-members: $35
Digital Discussion: Abraham Lincoln, the Emancipation Proclamation and the Thirteenth Amendment
In January of 1863 The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, stating that all enslaved people in Confederate states were 
to be freed. However, it did not apply to border states or areas under Union control. The 13th Amendment was passed at the end of the Civil War before the Southern states had returned to the Union. Though the Senate passed it in April 1864, the House did not. Lincoln took an active role to ensure it passed through Congress. He was successful when the House passed the bill in January 1865.
Please join museum manager Holly Shaffer for this free virtual presentation.
Registration is required.
Orchid Tour (NEW!)
Walk along our historic “Orchid Lane” accompanied by Edison Ford’s orchid specialist as you view Florida native orchids and a wide variety of orchid types, species and hybrids and understand their differences. During your 90 minute guided orchid tour, hear why orchids are an important element of our botanical history, learn how to unlock the key to reading orchid labels, their care and how to choose an orchid for your garden or home followed by a brief question and answer segment. Each tour will offer unique specimens based on the season. Tour dates available:
- Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 1:30 PM
- Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 10:00 AM
- Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 1:30 PM
- Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM
- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 1:30 PM
- Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM
- Tuesday, April 14th at 1:30 PM
- Saturday, April 18th at 10:00 AM
- Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 10:00 AM
- Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 10:00 AM
- Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 10:00 AM
- Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 10:00 AM
- Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 1:30 PM
- Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM
- Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 1:30 PM
- Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Cost: Members: $25, non-members: $50
All guests will receive a 20% discount coupon for plant purchase in our Garden Shoppe. Sun protection and water are highly recommended. Advance Registration is Required. Space is limited; click here to register.
Step into History Digital Edition: Painting With Plants – Ellen Biddle Shipman and the American Garden
The intimate, richly layered gardens of trailblazing landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman helped shape early 20th-century America’s most iconic estates. Join historian
Joshua Moulton to explore her design vision, her rise in a male-dominated profession, and her relationships with clients like the Edisons and Fords. This free virtual presentation will be available on Zoom.
Registration is required for this online event.
Workshop with Artist Marie Dyer
Join local artist Marie Dyer for a inspirational day at Edison Ford! Upcoming classes include:
- November 16, 2025: Silk Scarf Painting
- January 18, 2026: Silk Scarf Painting
- January 25, 2026: Landscape Painting
- February 21, 2026: Landscape Painting
- February 22, 2026: Silk Scarf Painting
- March 1, 2026: Landscape Painting
- March 8, 2026: Silk Scarf Painting
Landscape Painting: Come spend the day with impressionistic local artist Marie Dyer as she guides you in this plein air acrylic landscape painting workshop. She will cover the fundamentals of composition and structure, color creating mood, mixing paints, and assist in developing a pallet that speaks to you! Students will be inspired by the lush surroundings on site in this one-of-a-kind class.
Silk Scarf Painting: If you need some time to relax and unwind, join us for a silk scarf painting class with Marie Dyer surrounded by Edison’s gardens. You will leave the class with a silk scarf that can be worn or hung as a piece of artwork.
No experience is required and all materials and inspiration are supplied. Capacity is limited– Register here!
Members: $90, Non-members: $100
Step into History Digital Edition: The Women Soldiers of the Civil War
Our country has seen several wars, and we have much to learn from the history of those wars. Carolyn Furman will speak about a part of history of 
which little is known or spoken, yet it sheds an important light on our history, The Women Soldiers of the Civil War. We will hear about six women, who they were, where they were from, how and why they became soldiers, what happened to them and which side they chose to stand for.
Each woman has her own story to tell. In the telling, it is hoped you will see the thread that connects each woman. You will see the courage and strength they displayed as they fought side by side as their counterparts were wounded, or died as they defended what they believed in. Registration is required for this free virtual presentation.
Click here to view Step Into History archives.
Digital Discussion: Christmas and the Holidays during World War II
The holiday season during World War II on the battlefield and homefront was bittersweet. Service people did their best to keep their spirits up while
dealing with homesickness and fear of the unknown. People at home missed their loved ones and tried to keep hope alive.
Learn about all the traditions and experiences that took place during this time.
Please join museum manager Holly Shaffer for this free virtual presentation. Registration is required.
Step Into History Digital Edition: Ewald Stulpner, Seminole Lodge Caretaker
Join historian Tim Snyder for our monthly digital Step Into History, and learn about Ewald Stulpner; prominent Fort Myers pioneer and long-time
caretaker of Seminole Lodge, the Edisons’ Fort Myers winter estate.
Click here to register for this virtual presentation. To view our Step Into History archive, visit our channel here.
Digital Discussion: Lincoln at Gettysburg
Abraham Lincoln was in Gettysburg for only 24 hours, but he changed history while he was there. Learn about his arrival in Gettysburg, where he stayed, the impact he had on those he met and his famous Gettysburg Address.
Join museum manager, Holly Shaffer for this free virtual presentation.
Click here to register.
Visit our archive to see previous editions.
