Visiting Thomas Edison's birthplace is great for all ages, Also in Milan is the Milan Historical Museum with seven buildings to visit, my Dad loved the blacksmith shop as he would point out things that he used while growing up and as a farmer. I enjoyed seeing the dolls, the general store and gift shop and of course the glassware. About 20 minutes from Cedar Point, a great few days to take a family.
My husband and I went there last year and it was very fascinating! It was cheap too. The woman who gave us the tour was very nice.
The museum itself is quite small, but there are actually a number of authentic family artifacts and it has been very nicely restored. The garden was lovely while we were there. What made this especially interesting for us was our guide, Cindi, who was very knowledgeable, clearly enthusiastic about her subject, and able to answer all of our questions. We learned a lot about Edison [including a couple of his many inventions that were new to us, like the first talking doll -- there's a story!], home life in the early 1800s in this small town, and the background of the museum. With museums such as this, the guide's knowledge and interest can make all the difference for the visitor. You start your tour in a little gift shop, with a couple of Edison exhibits, and get to hear an old phonograph play. Note: houses of this era were not accessible. Stairs are steep and there are 2 flights. Also, check hours of operation after Labor Day. Website: www.tomedison.org
We've lived in the area for four years and finally got around to visiting. I'm a science lover but my wife is not, she thoroughly enjoyed the history and stories even so. It is a relatively short tour, but full of good accurate historical information about the Edison family and Milan too. There are a few of Edison's many inventions on display, some of which still work and are demonstrated. The tour guide was excellent, fun and very informative. A very well ran and kept museum.
I took my daughter who had just got done reading the book. It is only 10 minutes from Sandusky but overlooked due to the bigger attractions in the area. We'll worth the hour and brought the history to life for my daughter.
As a party of 4 we visited the museum on a very nice fall afternoon and were pleasantly surprised. Our volunteer tour guide was a real treat. She delivered a wealth of formation about the house and Thomas Edison as perhaps a stand up comedian would, loud and fast. It is amazing how little the average person knows about the most prolific American inventor, over 1300 patents. If near Milan, Ohio and looking to spend a couple of hours in history this is well worth the visit.
Thank you so much for hosting a Birthday Party for Thomas Edison. What a great field trip for on-line students. The tour guide was entertaining and informative. My granddaughter's most impressive bit of information was how the horsehair covered sofa was terrible to sit on because the hairs would poke you...LOL. No we didn't get to try it out, but the guide's assertion was remembered without the "hand's on" experience.
Nerds and history buffs can get a fix with the investment of an hour's drive out of Cleveland. In the picturesque, quaint village of Milan (pronounced "MY-lin") is the birthplace and childhood home of Thomas Edison, inventor of the phonograph, commercial light bulb and thousands of other things for which he either held a patent or were morphed into what we use every day. Inside the three-story brick house are photographs, mementos, furniture and housewares either original to the house or representative of the so-called "Age of Innovation" that began with Edison's birth on Feb. 11, 1847. The tour ($7 for adults) starts at the house next door, and there visitors will hear Edison's recordings on original phonographs and see a model of The Black Maria, "the world's first movie studio." The most surprising tidbit of information learned on a recent visit was that Edison, Ohio's Favorite Son who gave us the record player, isn't in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His contribution to the industry is acknowledged in an exhibit, but he has yet to be enshrined a mere 60 miles to the east.
I was in the area visiting Cedar Point Amusement park when I saw a sign for the house. It was very interesting and informative. Very glad I was able to visit while I was there.
This is a wonderful place to visit especially the flower garden in the backyard. We were not able to go inside the building because it had closed for the day. Milan has an interesting history with its canal system which onced linked it to Lake Erie. It is located about 15 miles south of Sandusky and has many small shops on the town square. Recommend checking times on when the Edison Birthplace is open but the flower garden is well worth the trip.