Preservation New Jersey

Promoting the economic vitality, sustainability, and heritage of New Jersey’s diverse communities through advocacy and education.

Thomas Edison Memorial Tower

by

Year Listed: 1997
Status: Saved
City: Edison
County: Middlesex

Additional Features:


UPDATES:

2012: The Edison Memorial Tower Corporation, a 501(c)3 dba/ Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park, renovated the museum near the Tower, adding professionally designed exhibits that interpret the historic achievements of Thomas Edison at Menlo Park.  Annually the museum receives guests from every state in the U.S.A., and from over sixty different countries.  Each guests is given a fully-escorted tour throughout the museum with demonstrations of original artifacts.  Family & friend groups, seniors, clubs, camps and school groups visit daily.  The non-profit is working to construct a new museum about the site’s history as well as the theme of invention. The museum is open Thursday-Saturdays; all large group tours are available with prior authorization.

07/2010: The Edison Memorial Tower Corporation has developed conceptual plans for the “reinvention” of Menlo Park. The reinvention includes restoration of the Edison Memorial Tower, construction of a new museum about the site’s history as well as the theme of invention, outdoor interpretive exhibits, and a redone Edison State Park. The museum is currently closed for renovations, but plans to reopen in September of 2010.

In November 2004, a $50,000 NJ Historic Trust grant was made for its restoration. The DEP has awarded $1.8 million grant for the restoration of the Edison Memorial Tower. The Edison Memorial Tower Corp, the non-profit group that works with Edison Township to manage the site stated the money will be spent primarily on repair and restoration.

1999: The structure was cleaned up and painted, but it is badly in need of a total restoration.

DESCRIPTION:
Erected in 1937 on the site of Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park Laboratory, the 131-foot tall cast concrete art deco structure has been closed to the public for several years. Because of falling concrete, a fence has been erected to keep visitors from getting too close to this somewhat obscure, but extremely important monument.

CONTACT:
Kathleen Carlucci, Director
Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park
732-549-3299
kcarlucci@edisonnj.org