Step Into History Digital Edition: The Dodge Brothers
Join Historian Scott as he tells the story of the Dodge brothers.
The Dodge brothers grew up in a family of machinists and went on to build an automotive dynasty before their untimely deaths. Along the way they
partnered with Henry Ford when he started the Ford Motor Company we know today. But this was Ford’s third attempt at a car company, and had it not been for the Dodge brothers’ contribution, Ford as we know it today might not exist. When they did start building their own car it was not to compete but to surpass Ford, or as John Dodge said when their first cars rolled off the line, “Think of all the Ford owners who would like to own an automobile.”
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Digital Discussion: Alexander Hamilton
Alexander Hamilton was a lawyer, a founding father, George Washington’s aide, a soldier ,the first secretary of treasury and the subject of an acclaimed Broadway show. Join museum manager Holly Shaffer for this free virtual presentation about the roller coaster life of Alexander Hamilton.
Click here to register for this digital discussion.
Click here to view our archived digital discussions.
Gardening Class: Fall for Fresh Vegetable Gardening
Autumn is the ideal time to start your vegetable and herb gardens here in Southwest Florida. This class will cover choosing ideal vegetables and disease resistant varieties, tips for dealing with pests, as well as soil and nutrition. All participants will receive a 20% discount coupon good for live plant purchases in our Garden Shoppe. Come prepared with a notebook, sun protection and water.
Anyone taking this class will have the first opportunity to rent a community garden at a 20% discount for the season (November 1 -– April 30); subject to availability and completion of signed agreement.
Members: $45, Non-members: $60
Registration will open August 18
Special Inside the Homes Tour – In Celebration of Mina Edison’s 160th Birthday
Join us for a special Inside the Homes tour to celebrate Mina Edison’s 160th birthday! Advance registration is not required; tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
About Inside the Homes Tours
The Inside the Homes Tour takes visitors through normally-closed areas of Thomas Edison’s and Henry Ford’s winter estate homes. Tours are led by Edison Ford curatorial staff and expert historians. Visitors will enjoy rooms not seen during other tours. The tour is offered in a small-group format to allow for questions and discussion.
For persons with limited mobility, please speak with a staff member about special accommodations when making a reservation. Tour time: Approximately 90 minutes.
Member $25
Adults $50
Teen $35 (ages 13-19)
Children $20 (ages 6-12)
About Mina Edison
Born July 6, 1865, Mina was the seventh of the eleven children of inventor and Chautauqua Institute co-founder, Lewis Miller. She graduated from Akron (Ohio) High School, traveled for a year in Europe, and attended a finishing school in Boston. It was here that Mina was introduced to the newly-widowed Thomas Edison by mutual friends Ezra and Lillian Gilliland. On February 24, 1886 Mina and Thomas Edison were married at Oak Place, the Miller family home in Akron, and honeymooned at newly-built Seminole Lodge in Fort Myers.
Mina’s exposure to education and culture served her well as the young wife of an internationally famous inventor. In addition to becoming a mother to Edison’s three children from his first marriage, Mina and Thomas had three additional children of their own: Madeleine, Charles, and Theodore. Mina also oversaw the day to day activities at Glenmont, the couple’s estate in West Orange, New Jersey. She thrived as a self-described “home executive.”
The influence of Chautauqua became apparent as Mina’s children grew up and moved away from home; Mina became active in numerous social welfare movements including the American Red Cross, the Chautauqua Association, the West Orange Community League, and the National Audubon Society. In Fort Myers, Mina was instrumental in the foundation of the Fort Myers Round Table, a group of local leaders whom she brought together around the dining room table at Seminole Lodge in the interest of community improvement. She gave numerous speeches to local groups in West Orange and in Fort Myers, often on the importance of garden clubs and neighborhood organizations, the role of recreation in the education of children, and the value of musical instruction.
After Thomas Edison’s death in 1931, Mina’s community involvement continued. She married childhood friend Edward Hughes in 1935, but after his death in 1940, Mina resumed using Edison as her surname. She continued to winter at Seminole Lodge until 1947, when she graciously deeded the property to the City of Fort Myers. She died shortly thereafter at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of philanthropy and preservation.
Yoga By the River
Step away from all the 21st century gadgets and focus on the moment. All skill levels welcome. The class is taught by Bonnie D’Angelo, a certified yoga instructor. Bring a yoga mat, water, and towel.
Tickets are available at the museum ticket counter. Admission to the site is not included.
Edison Ford members: $15; non-members: $20
Digital Discussion: First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln
Uncover the story of First lady Mary Todd Lincoln. She was well educated, had a sharp wit and was politically savvy. President Lincoln and Mary went through the unimaginable and lost several children. Mary was present when her husband was assassinated. A controversial figure when she was alive, there is a lot to discover about her life. Join museum manager Holly Shaffer for this free virtual presentation.
Register here.
Click HERE to view our digital discussion catalog.
Step into History Digital Edition – Creating the Tamiami Trail, A Corridor for Capitalism
We invite you to join assistant program manager Tim Snyder as he unfolds the story of one of the most ambitious periods in Florida
Aerial view of parade in Everglades City on opening day of the Tamiami Trail – April 26, 1928.
history: the construction of the Tamiami Trail. Learn how the engineering pioneers of the early 20th century blazed a new trail across the swampy lands of the Everglades region connecting east to west and enabling the capitalization of tourism into the 21st century.
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Past presentations are available in our archive.
Step into History Digital Edition: Hill and Company
Join assistant program manager and site historian Tim Snyder as examines the legacy of Hill & Co., the first Fort Myers Ford dealership. From
smashing the auto sales record in 1914 to the construction of their multi story modern building on McGregor, the people of Fort Myers kept a keen eye on the progress of Ford in Fort Myers. A legacy that is carried out today by our local Ford dealer.
Registration is required for this online event.
Digital Discussion: The History of the Underground Railroad
Discover the origins of the underground railroad, learn about the stories of the enslaved who escaped and the abolitionists who helped them. Join museum manager Holly Shaffer for this free virtual presentation. Click here to register for this online presentation.
Missed our last digital discussion? Click here to view archives.
