Your Passport to Arts, History, and Marine Heritage
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Your Passport to Arts, History, and Marine Heritage | ||
Opened on February 11, 2001, the Thomas Edison Depot Museum was the second satellite facility to open of what is now known as the Port Huron Museums. 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 inter actives 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 inter actives.
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 exhibits 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 Museum's gift shop, encouraging visitors to take home part of their experience at the Thomas Edison Depot Museum.
History of the Baggage Car/ Combine
The depot museum hosts two major special events each year, the Thomas Edison Birthday Celebration is scheduled for Sunday, February 11, 2007 and the Down by the Depot Hobo Fest, scheduled for September 22 - 24, 2007. The 2007 celebrations will also commemorate the 150th Port Huron sesquicentennial and will include telegraphy, static electricity and phonograph displays, demonstration of a galley proof press similar to that Edison would have used, live music and entertainment and MUCH more.
In September, 2006 the second annual Hobo Fest provided a return visit of the 0-4-0 steam locomotive Flagg Coal Company #75, owned by the of father and son team of John & Barney Grambling. The steam locomotive made demonstration runs in front of the depot, courtesy of Canadian National North America. Another popular attraction at the 2006 event was Little Obie . Obie is CNs safety train and was here to remind everyone to be safe when crossing railroad tracks. The reigning 2006 - 2007 Hobo Queen and King are Alice and Ed Rieves. Together they raised nearly $2,000 for the Port Huron Museum. The addition this year of an authentic hobo jungle provided an opportunity for visitors to experience the hobo lifestyle without leaving home. Visiting hobos included National Hobo Queen Mama Jo, Hobo Santa, Hobo Banjo Fred and Mutt.
Steam Railroading Institute: http://www.mstrp.com/
Little Obie: http://www.cn.ca/obie
More hobo information can be found at:
http://www.hobo.com (click on Mama Jo's tracks for her log of their visit to Port Huron)
http://www.hobobanjofred.com
Click on the light bulbs to view some of the exhibits and inter actives in the Thomas Edison Depot Museum. All Aboard!
Email: depot@phmuseum.org
© HRI 2004