Celebrate Henry Ford’s Birthday!
To celebrate Henry Ford’s birthday on July 30, we will have an automotive tour at 10:30 a.m. Led by an automotive expert, this special guided tour focuses on the unique collection, the history of the vehicles and how they operate. The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the ticket counter. Cost: Members: $15, Non-member Adults: $40, Teens: $30 (ages 13-19), Children: $16 (ages 6-12), Children ages 5 and under are admitted free.
Special Step into History presentations will also be offered that day. At 11 a.m., learn about Ford and Fort Myers, and then at 2 p.m. the topic is on the Life and Legacy of Edsel Ford. Presentations are included with admission.
Digital Discussion: Teddy Roosevelt in War and Peace
Discover the story of Teddy Roosevelt and his life before he became president. Learn about his life as president and what he accomplished after his presidency. Did you know he has a Southwest Florida connection?
Registration is required.
Click here to view our archived digital discussions.
This presentation is made possible by a grant from the Rotary Club of Fort Myers.
Celebration of Mina Edison’s 161st Birthday
This year, Mina Edison’s birthday will be honored with American history presentations, an Inside-the-Homes Tour at 10 a.m., and Behind-the-Gates Laboratory Tours at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is an official stop on the America 250 Florida road trip map and the only stop within Lee County. A large sign is installed near the main parking lot for those wanting to document their stop with a selfie. The Florida Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial road trip map can be viewed HERE.
- Tickets for self-guided tours are $28 and may be purchased online or at the ticket counter.
- Tickets for the specialty Inside-the-Homes Tours are $50 and the Laboratory Tours are $40; those tickets must be purchased at the ticket counter.
- Members will receive 50% off on the inside-the-Homes Tour, and 25% off for the Laboratory Tour. Children should be at least 7 years of age for these two specialty tours.
Step Into History Presentation
Learn about subjects related to Edison and Ford with Site Historians. This program is held in the 15,000-square-foot museum. Included with admission.
Step into History Presentations take place Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Digital Discussion: The Military Career of George Washington
George Washington’s military career lasted over forty-five years (1752–1799). Washington’s service can be broken into three periods. Learn about his development as a soldier and about the wars in which he fought. Join museum manager Holly Shaffer for this free virtual presentation. 
Click here to register for this digital discussion.
Click here to view our archived digital discussions.
Step into History Digital Edition: Edison vs. The Internet – Top Five Edison Myths Busted
Join site Historian Chase Galewski on July 28, 2026, at 10:30 am for a special Digital Step into History “Edison vs The Internet Top 5 Edison Myths Busted.” Join Josh as he sifts through the murky waters of American myth making, and how it affects the Edison legacy.
Thomas Edison stands in his research laboratory, holding one of his experimental light bulbs.
Registration is required for this free virtual presentation.
Click here to view Step Into History archives.
Digital Discussion: 1776
Discover the significance of 1776 and what happened on July 4 of that year. Learn about the shift in ideology that led to the Declaration of Independence and the patriots who were involved. Join museum manger Holly Shaffer for this free virtual presentation. 
Register here.
Click HERE to view our digital discussion catalog.
Step Into History Digital Edition: Sir Hiram Maxim
Join us to learn about Sir Hiram Maxim, the inventor of the first fully-automatic Machine-Gun and business rival to Thomas Edison. Hear about his competition with Edison
over the incandescent lightbulb, the development of the infamous “Maxim Gun” and more! Join historian Spencer for this free virtual presentation taking place via Zoom.
Click here to register for this virtual presentation. To view our Step Into History archive, visit our channel here.
Digital Discussion: The Battle of Fort Wagner
The Battle of Fort Wagner on July 18, 1863, was an assault led by the 54th Massachusetts, which was depicted in the movie Glory. Fort Wagner was located on Morris Island in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina.
In addition to the 54th Massachusetts Infantry lead by Robert Gould Shaw there were two brigades composed of nine regiments. The first brigade was composed of the 54th
Massachusetts, 6th Connecticut, 48th New York, 3rd New Hampshire, 76th Pennsylvania, and the 9th Maine regiments. The second brigade consisted of the 7th New Hampshire, 62nd Ohio, 67th Ohio, and the 100th New York regiments. The two brigades successfully scaled the parapet and entered Fort Wagner; but they were driven out with heavy casualties and forced to retreat. Join Museum Manager Holly Shaffer for this free informative presentation.
Click here to register for this virtual discussion.
Missed our last digital discussion? Click here to view archives.
