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Thomas Edison
Depot Museum
Opened on February 11, 2001, the Thomas Edison Depot
Museum was the second satellite facility to open of the Port Huron Museum. It is housed
inside the historic Fort Gratiot depot built in 1858 by
the Grand Trunk Railway, and is the actual depot that
Thomas Edison worked out of as a news butcher between
1859 and 1863. Trains connecting here carried people and
freight between Port Huron and Detroit, Point
Edward/Sarnia (Ontario), and other destinations, linking
Port Huron to the world.
The exhibits portray Edison's multi-faceted story of
creativity, family support, adversity, perseverance, and
ultimate triumph as the greatest inventor of our times.
Re-created period environments and hands-on interactives invite visitors to become participants in this
inspiring story and encourage them to apply their own
creativity and ingenuity as they learn about Edison's
life and his inventions.
The story traces the Edison family's relocation from
Ohio to Port Huron, young Tom's boyhood and school
experiences, his avid curiosity and scientific study
fostered by his mother, adolescent entrepreneurial
efforts, and his work on trains in this very depot. A
transitional area depicts Edison's struggles as a young
adult as he drifted from one job to another,
experiencing repeated setbacks in his inventions. This
leads into the story of Edison the inventor. His
successes and great contributions to society are
presented through a sit-down theater experience, live
science presentations, and hands-on interactives.
In his writings and conversations, Thomas Edison
often referred to his formative years in Port Huron. It
is a place rich in history with connections to many
great people and events. Outdoor displays surround the
depot, providing insights into this heritage,
highlighting Native American settlements, historic
forts, the city's transportation links, and its
importance as an immigration gateway to the United
States.
Railroad Baggage Car
Outside the depot, a restored baggage car rests on a
spur of railroad track. Inside this baggage car,
visitors discover a re-creation of young Edison's mobile
chemistry lab and printing shop. This is also the unique
setting for the Wizards Workshop, encouraging visitors
to hands on projects as part of their experience at the Thomas
Edison Depot Museum.
Take a virtual tour of the Thomas Edison
Depot
Click on the light bulbs to view some of the exhibits
and interactives in the Thomas Edison Depot Museum. All
Aboard!
Did You Know?
Thomas Edison published
the first newspaper to ever be printed on a moving
train, at the ripe old age of 12. His "Weekly Herald"
could be purchased for a penny, and a monthly
subscription cost a whopping 8 cents!
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