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.
Piano Performance – Included with Admission
Join Curatorial Registrar, Chet, for a performance of classical music on Mina Edison’s 1932 George Steck piano in the Edison Guest House. Included with admission.
Step Into History Program – Included with Admission
Step Into History with an Edison Ford Historian! Each Tuesday and Thursday at 11am and 2pm, join us in the museum for an engaging presentation on an an historic topic. Topics vary daily and presentations are free with admission.
Volunteer Meeting and Lecture: The Chicago World’s Fair Magic and Murder
South Florida Water Management Lecture Hall
The Chicago World’s Fair Magic and Murder
Join author and historian Duane Shaffer as he presents the behind-the-scenes story of the Columbian Exposition also known as the 1893 Chicago 
World’s Fair. The fair spanned 600 acres and introduced guests to Cracker Jacks, elevators and the first electric chair. It presented visitors with an opportunity to view Edison’s kinetoscope and the first voice recording. Thousands of items were there for the public to see. While this was taking place a murderer was luring fair visitors to his house of horrors. Volunteer meetings are free and open to the public. Please stop in!
Registration not required.
Step into History Digital Edition: Japonisme in America
Towards the end of the 19th-century, Americans would find themselves intrigued and inspired by Japanese art. This fascination was a part of an
artistic movement that began in France and would quickly spread throughout the Western world. We welcome you to join the presentation 流行り日本 (Hayari Nihon): Japonisme in America, which explores an artistic movement that inspired Americans to collect, create, and consume Japanese art.
Click to register for this online presentation.
Click here for our step into history archive.
Digital Discussion – The Love of the Game – Thomas Edison and Baseball
Learn about Thomas Edison and his passion for baseball. Discover the relationship he had with the Connie Mack and the Philadelphia Athletics during spring training in Fort Myers. Hear about the teams he sponsored, the first baseball game filmed by Edison’s movie studio and much more.
Join museum manager Holly Shaffer for this free virtual presentation. Click here to register.
Thomas Edison, at bat, with Philadelphia Athletics’ owner and manager Connie Mack, in Fort Myers, 1926
Not able to attend our live sessions? You can find our archive here.
Floral Workshops with Instructor Anita Singh
Instructor Anita Singh is an award-winning event florist based in Fort Myers, known for her creativity in floral design. Don’t miss her Fall 2025 – Spring 2026 classes:
- October 5, 2025: Design with Purpose: Supporting Cancer Awareness • This workshop is an opportunity to design like a pro and raise awareness while crafting with purpose. Participants will learn essential principles of design, flower selection, and care techniques to create stunning floral arrangements. You will create your own beautiful floral arrangement to take home. Additionally, you’ll have the option to create a second floral arrangement specifically for donation. This arrangement can be gifted to a cancer patient, a friend in need, or donated to a local hospital or cancer center. Each bloom in your second arrangement will symbolize courage, and your participation can truly make a difference!
- November 9, 2025: Eco-Friendly Floral Design • Get ready to embrace sustainability in our Eco-Friendly Floral Design workshop! Participants will learn how to create stunning floral arrangements using environmentally friendly practices. This workshop will equip you with the skills to design beautiful arrangements while making a positive impact on the planet.
- December 21, 2025: Lantern of Joy: Christmas Centerpiece Workshop • Join our festive floral workshop and create a stunning Christmas centerpiece that doubles as a perfect gift or a beautiful addition to your own holiday table! Learn to transform lanterns with lush greenery, vibrant ornaments and seasonal flowers. An arrangement designed to maintain its freshness and charm, ensuring your centerpiece looks stunning for Christmas!
- January 11, 2026: Glass Gardens: A Terrarium Workshop • Join us for an engaging floral workshop dedicated to the art of terrarium creation! Learn about various types, step by step instructions how to create and care for terrariums.
- February 8, 2026: Mixed Media Floral Arrangement • Join us for a unique mixed media floral arrangement workshop where you will create a stunning arrangement that resembles a peacock, a bird famously adored by Mina Edison for its elegance and beauty! Our instructor will guide you through selecting the perfect blooms and materials while sharing techniques to bring your vision to life.
- March 15, 2026: Living Art: Moss and Air Plant Wall Décor Workshop • Explore the magic of Moss and Air Plants and create your own botanically inspired wall art. This workshop will allow each participant to create their own wall art using preserved moss and air plants, a lovely keepsake from a relaxing and creative workshop.
- April 4, 2026: Decorating with Flowers – Spring Edition • Celebrate the beauty of spring by joining us for an engaging workshop where you’ll learn to create your very own floral centerpiece! This hands-on experience is perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of spring elegance to their home or upcoming celebrations. Learn a new skill, meet friends and take home your floral masterpiece!
- May 3, 2026: Parent & Child Floral Fun: Bring a Child for Free! • Join us for a delightful floral workshop where you and your child (age 6 to 12) can have fun with fresh flowers! This hands-on workshop is perfect for Mother’s Day, allowing you both to bond while crafting beautiful floral purses.
Please Note for All Classes:
- Time: 10 am to 12pm
- Class Size: Maximum of 20 students
- Cost: $75 for Members; $85 for non members
- Materials: All flowers and supplies will be provided. No experience is necessary.
- Special Needs: We encourage you to inform the instructor of any special needs prior to the class. Please note that all purchases are final and non-refundable. The instructor may capture images during the session for promotional purposes.
- To Register: Click here
Annual Holiday Horticulture Garden Class
Grab a friend or make a new one in this fun gathering, which includes holiday music and light refreshments. In this make-&-take class, participants will make a live cone and tillandsia ornament to be enjoyed for the holidays. We’ll teach you how to keep it growing after the season. All materials will be provided, including an assortment of decorations to encourage your creativity.
NOTE: Most classes will be held in the Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council Building (at the Berne Davis Gardens). The space is accessible and air-conditioned. Directions to the classroom and check-in instructions will be emailed to all registered participants 24 hours before the program. If the program includes a garden tour, be prepared with sun protection, comfortable walking shoes and water. Each participant will receive a complete set of the written course materials and a 20% Discount Coupon for plant purchases in our Garden Shoppe. Class fee does not include access to the houses and museum. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Free parking.
Members:$45 and Non-Members:$60
Click here to register.
