Thomas Edison Depot Museum 42.99864° N -82.425995° W
Description
The Thomas Edison Depot Museum is housed inside the historic Fort Gratiot Depot built in 1858 by the Grand Trunk Railway and is the depot that Thomas Edison worked out of selling light concessions and newspapers between 1859 and 1863. The exhibits in the Depot Museum portray Edison’s multi-faceted story of creativity, family support, adversity, perseverance, and ultimate triumph as one of the greatest inventors of our time. Recreated period environments and hands-on displays 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. Come and tour this site and glimpse into the childhood, life and achievements of Thomas Edison. This site is fully ADA accessible.
Click here to view our offerings at our other P.H. Museum locations.
Lunch Notes
Due to the historic nature of our museums we cannot accommodate group lunches inside of our museums when there is inclement weather. If your group is planning on eating outside during your visit, please have a backup plan in place, such as eating on the bus. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Bathroom Notes
Two restrooms are available for Museum visitors; one ADA.
Cancellation Policy
Any cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance of your event start time cannot be refunded. Additional cancellation policy details depend upon the event, program, tour, or rental you have booked. Please reach out to our reservation staff for more details.
Subjects
Activities
Grades
Cost
Accommodations
Learning Experiences
Field Trip
Thomas Edison Depot Tour
A semi-guided tour that lasts one hour. Minimum payment of $100 required per tour.
Interested in touring more than one location? Your group may be eligible for a discount if you book tours at two or more of our Museum locations.
Subjects Covered
history
Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, k, postsecondary, preschoolCapacity
40 stu., Max 40 chap., Min 3 chap.Activity
field trip
Duration
60 min.Price Options
Magnetism
Investigate the mysterious world of magnets by learning the basic properties of magnetism. Through research and experiment, explore what materials are attracted to magnets, explore concepts of attraction and repulsion, and learn about magnetic fields!
Length: 2 hours (including tour)
Cost: $6 per student and $3 per adult, minimum payment of $120 required (Teacher is Free)
Subjects Covered
history, science
Grades
3, 4, 5Capacity
35 stu., Max 35 chap., Min 3 chap.Activity
field trip
Duration
120 min.Price Options
Thomas Edison's Inventions
Thomas Edison's world was one of change. From Light Bulbs to Phonographs. Inventions were changing the lives of everyday people. We will walk through and explain some of Thomas Edison's famous and not so famous inventions.
Length: 1 hour
Cost: $35 per class
Subjects Covered
history, technology, the scientific method
Grades
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Capacity
45 stu., Max 45 chap., Min 1 chap.Activity
field trip
Duration
60 min.Price Options
$35.00 per Group for School Group
Electricity
Discover the mystery behind electricity as you create your own simple circuit. You’ll be shocked at what you learn about static electricity, conductors and circuits. Enjoy a hair raising demonstration and try your hand at turning on a light bulb with only a battery and a wire.
Length: 3 hours (including tour)
Cost: $6 per student and $3 per adult, minimum payment of $120 required (Teacher is Free)
Subjects Covered
history, science
Grades
3, 4, 5Capacity
35 stu., Max 35 chap., Min 3 chap.Activity
field trip
Duration
180 min.Price Options
Young Thomas Edison
Learn more about Thomas Edison's childhood and experience some of the experiments Thomas Edison did, use a galley proof printing press, listen to Edison's voice, eat your sack lunch, and some apple pie (Edison's favorite snack!), in a historic train car, just like Edison!
Length: 2.5 hours (including tour)
Cost: $6 per student and $3 per adult, minimum payment of $120 required (Teacher is Free)
Subjects Covered
history, my community
Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5Capacity
35 stu., Max 35 chap., Min 3 chap.Activity
field trip
Duration
150 min.Price Options
$6.00 per Person for Students
$3.00 per Person for Adults
Birthday Parties
Mad Scientist Birthday
Looking for the perfect party for your little scientist? If you enjoy hair-raising good times, visit the Thomas Edison Depot and conduct experiments just like Tom did. Learn about electricity, get slimy, and go on a scavenger hunt throughout the museum.
Maximum party capacity is 20 children. All parties last 2 hours, which includes 1.5 hours of activities and 1/2 hour for cake, ice cream, or other treats (not included).
Interested in a different party theme? Check out our other reservation pages for each Museum location’s unique party offering!
Subjects Covered
history, my community
Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5Capacity
20 stu., Max 20 chap., Min 3 chap.Activity
birthday parties
Duration
120 min.Price Options
$200.00 per Group for Non School Group
Scout Programs
Cub Scout Wolf and Bear Loops
We are excited to offer several loops for Wolf and Bear Cubs! This program lasts an hour and a half and allows for a tour of the Museum before or after the program.
Wolf Options: Council Fire and Digging the Past
Bear Option: Super Science
Length: 1.5 hours
Cost: $6.00 per scout, $3.00 per chaperone, minimum payment of $90 required.
Subjects Covered
history
Grades
2, 3Capacity
30 stu., Max 30 chap., Min 3 chap.Activity
scout programs
Duration
90 min.Price Options
Cub Scout Tiger Loop
We are excited to offer the Stories in Shapes loop for Tiger Cubs! This program lasts one hour and allows for a tour of the Museum before or after the program.
Tiger Options: Stories in Shapes
Length: 1 hour
Cost: $6.00 per scout, $3.00 per chaperone, minimum payment of $90 required.
Subjects Covered
history
Grades
1Capacity
30 stu., Max 30 chap., Min 3 chap.Activity
scout programs
Duration
60 min.Price Options
Girl Scout Brownies
We are excited to offer several badges for Brownies in the Girl Scout program! This program lasts one and a half hours and allows for a tour of the Museum before or after the program.
Program Options: Home Scientist, Inventor, Making Games
Length: 1.5 hours
Cost: $6.00 per scout, $3.00 per chaperone, minimum payment of $90 required.
Subjects Covered
history, science, design thinking
Grades
2, 3Capacity
30 stu., Max 30 chap., Min 3 chap.Activity
scout programs
Duration
90 min.Price Options
Girl Scout Juniors
We are excited to offer several badges for Juniors in the Girl Scout program! This program lasts two hours and allows for a tour of the Museum before or after the program.
Program Options: Detective, Product Designer, Playing the Past
Length: 2 hours
Cost: $6.00 per scout, $3.00 per chaperone, minimum payment of $90 required.
Subjects Covered
history
Grades
4, 5Capacity
30 stu., Max 30 chap., Min 3 chap.Activity
scout programs