A beautiful seven-foot likeness of Thomas Edison in middle age is now installed at Thomas Edison National Historical Park [TENHP], the site of Edison’s legendary West Orange Labs. The five hundred pound likeness was sculpted by Alan Cottrill.

Mr. Edison is “in the house”!

Resting on a concrete base, the Edison image in West Orange is likely to be the focal point of many visitor photos and folks pondering the many things the great inventor did for humanity. Just over his right shoulder in the photo, can be seen the top portion of the Black Maria, the world’s first motion picture studio.

Edison, the man who turned darkness to light

Soon to be installed next to the statue will be this inscription …

“This Edison statue was created by Alan Cottrill, who sculpted a substantially similar one now displayed in Statuary Hall at the United States Capitol. In his right hand, Edison offers the light bulb (his major achievement); while in his left hand, a notebook recording progress on his experiments is evident. Throughout his life, Edison filled many laboratory notebooks, inspiring his 200 scientists and engineers to create more innovative ideas to improve humankind. This became the basis for his invention factory concept, later to be re-named R&D labs. Stand beside him, feel his presence and take your picture with the “Man of the Millennium”. There is a bit of Edison in all of us. Don’t be afraid to set it free!”

No doubt, this statue will bring many visitors to the site, especially young school students who study STEM related activities– whose underlying philosophy of teamwork, research, invention and creativity are synonymous with what went on here at West Orange, and ultimately improved the standards of living for the entire world.

Go to thomasedison.org for more info on the statue and an opportunity to win free tickets to the Edison Park in West Orange and an Apple gift card