www.magazinevolume.com/DiscoverMiddlesex2021 31
THE THOMAS EDISON CENTER
AT MENLO PARK
37 Christie St., Edison, 732-549-3299
menloparkmuseum.org
More than any other inventor in history, Thomas Alva Edison is
responsible for the technologies that make modern life modern.
By the time of his death in 1931, he held 1,093 patents covering
the creation or refinements of devices in telegraphy and telephony,
electric power generation and lighting, sound recording, motion
pictures, storage batteries and mining and cement technology.
However, his most important invention was one that couldn’t be
patented: the process of modern invention itself. By applying
the principles of mass production to the 19th-century model of
the solitary inventor, Edison created a process in which skilled
scientists, machinists, designers and others collaborated at a single
facility to research, develop and manufacture new technologies.
The Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park offers fully escorted
tours where visitors can view original artifacts, listen to 100+ year
old Edison Phonographs, and learn about the wonders that took
place at Thomas Edison’s historic Menlo Park. Enjoy a walk on the
guided nature trail through this lovely 36-acre state park, and visit
the newly renovated Edison Memorial Tower.
Public hours: Thursday–Saturday, 10 am–4 pm.
Large group tours are available on additional days.
Proprietary House Association
THE PROPRIETARY HOUSE
Proprietary House Association
149 Kearny Ave., Perth Amboy, 732-826-5527
theproprietaryhouse.org
The Proprietary House, completed in 1764, is the only remaining
official royal governor’s mansion still standing in the original 13
colonies. The house was extensively repaired and renovated after
a severe fire in the 1780s. It was later used as a stylish hotel and a
private home.
Delve into the juicy Proprietary House history, from the story of
Royal Governor William Franklin, the illegitimate son of Benjamin
Franklin, and his relationship with his father; how it was occupied
by and served as headquarters for both Patriot and British forces.
The nonprofit Proprietary House Association offers guided tours,
lectures, concerts, storytelling, ghost tours and teas. Overlooking
Raritan Bay, the museum’s beautiful spaces are available for rent
for special occasions such as weddings, meetings and luncheons.
Photo by Bill Jones
/DiscoverMiddlesex2021
/menloparkmuseum.org
/theproprietaryhouse.org
