Just before Thanksgiving, NASA’s next generation spacecraft,  Orion  was flown to Mansfield, Ohio and brought to  NASA Plum Brook Station , Sandusky by a 135-foot truck for space environment testing at the large vacuum chamber of the Space Environments Complex.

NASA is a pinnacle of collaborative research and development; the template of which was first pioneered by Thomas Edison and his Invention Factory. On the way to Plumb Brook Station, Orion came directly through Milan and on the final leg, went directly past the farmhouse Homer and Marion Wallace Edison Page (his oldest sister) lived in 1850, at the corner of Mason and Hoover Road in Milan Twp.

The small bank barn across the road from the farm house (now torn down) is where 3-year-old Tom did his first experiment. When he went missing for an afternoon, they later found him sitting on eggs, trying to hatch them….they didn’t hatch!

Find out if you were correct in next month's newsletter!

Last Month's Question:

At what age did Edison become a proficient telegrapher and start working as one full-time?

Last Month's Answer:

16

Light up Milan's Square for Christmas!

Milan lights up Town Square like back in 1940.

Read the full story here.

Photos from the event can be found here.

Photo's were taken by Ben Smith , Mayor elect.

"What you are will show in what you do."

- Thomas Alva Edison

History Anniversaries!

In 1849 , 170 years ago, on December 19, Thomas’s oldest sister Marion married Homer Page at the Edison Birthplace. Young Al (as he was called) said his first memory was Homer Page spinning a coin on the floor, in what is probably the parlor at the Edison Birthplace, visiting his soon to be bride.

In 1871 , on December 25th, Thomas Edison marries Mary Stillwell.

In 1914 , on December 9th, an explosion in the Film Inspection Building triggers a conflagration that destroys or damages more than half of thee buildings in the West Orange laboratory complex.

Fast, Easy & Secure. You can't beat that this holiday season.

"Thomas Edison, the inventor of the first successful practical light bulb, created the very first strand of electric lights. During the Christmas season of 1880, these strands were strung around the outside of his Menlo Park Laboratory."

Library of Congress

Remembering a Former Birthplace Trustee

The Edison Birthplace Association is deeply saddened by the passing of their good friend, and former Trustee, Jennie Henry, 59. She was the President of Grower’s Mineral Solutions of Milan, Ohio and the daughter of beloved former Trustee, Jeanette Henry. She leaves her husband, Richard Bobel, son and daughter-law, Russell and Å sa Bobel and two grandchildren.

If you’re looking for a special present this Christmas season, come to the Edison Birthplace Gift Shop for hand-painted lightbulb ornaments! These are created by our employee  Melissa Vartorella . 

The ornaments are  $10.95 + tax .

The Gift Shop also has a variety of other stocking stuffers with an Edison theme.    

As we end the year with great memories and unforgettable blessings , we ask you to donate and help the Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum go into 2020 to continue to tell the amazing story of Thomas Alva Edison.