January 14, 2011 - Edison & Ford Winter Estates Programs - February 2011
Fort Myers, Fl (January 14, 2011) - February at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates is highlighted with Thomas Edison's Birthday Celebration, Estates Antique Car Show, and the continuation of Sneak Peek and Boat Tours as well as a variety of other special programs throughout the month. The February schedule of programs and events include:
Registration for Edison & Ford Winter Estates Inventor's Summer Camp begins in FEBRUARY
The Estates Inventor's Summer Camp is back again this year and the Wild Wizard is here all summer long. Camp begins on June 13, 2011 and runs through August 5, 2011. Camps are open for grades 1-6 depending on session. Campers will make movies, become science detectives, launch objects into orbit, construct bridges and animate their own short films. Registration forms are available on line at www.efwefla.org or are available at the Estates. Estates Members $200; non members $230. For more information on specific topics, dates and times contact the Estates Education Department at 239-334-7419.
Etiquette at the Estates: Mina & Mimi's Manners, February 5, 11AM
Mina Edison, wife of Thomas Edison, was a gracious hostess and interested in the well being of children and the community. Following in this tradition, Etiquette at the Estates, includes one day (two hour) lessons in etiquette and social skills. Cildren will learn proper introductions, handshakes and dining etiquette during a three course meal. Class will be taught by Suzanne Willis who has been teaching similar classes at the Ritz-Carleton hotels throughout the nation. Registration required. Estates Members $40; non members $50.
Edison & Ford Antique Car Show, February 5, 10AM - 2PM
Nearly 100 antique car collectors will display their antique cars throughout the Ford Estate. Other activities during the day include live music, food available for purchase on the Ford Cottage Terrace, Mr. & Mrs. Ford leading informal tours of the Ford Estate. Cost is FREE to Estates Members and $5 for non members.
Antique Car Show Model T Tour and Lecture, February 5, 11AM and 1PM
Learn the history of Henry Ford and his automobiles first-hand through the Estates collection. Participants will tour the Ford Estate and meet antique car owners who will provide interesting information specific to their Ford. Estates Members FREE; non members $5, lecture included in the price of Antique Car Show admission.
New Volunteer Orientation, February 8, 9:30AM
Join Estates staff to learn about volunteer opportunities, Estates policies and general Museum information. This is a mandatory training for all new Estates volunteers but potential volunteers are welcome.
Edison 164th Birthday Evening Celebration, February 11, 5:30PM - 8PM
In honor of thomas Edison's 164th birthday the Edison & Ford Winter Estates Museum will be open and will offer FREE admission to the public from 5:30PM - 8PM. The Estates Inventors Museum has an impressive collection of inventions and artifacts, special exhibits, archives and video documentaries on the lives of the famous inventors, Edison and ford. Invention demonstrations and informal tours will be offered throughout the evening.
Home Schoolers: "Alternative Energy" February 17, 1PM - 3PM
Home schooled students will study alternative energy and learn about different forms of non-conventional energy such as biomass, wind, solar, geothermal and hydroelectric. The programs follow the Lee County mandated program and addresses environmental science, history and reading SOLS. Pre-visit curriculum materials will be mailed to registered families. Registration is required. Cost: Estates Members $5; non members $15 (one adult, one child), additional $5 per child.
Art in Bloom, February 27, 1PM - 5PM
An exhibit of art and floral design in collaboration with the Estates and the Fort Myers - Lee County Garden Council. The exhibit combines art pieces with living arrangements of flowers and plants. Estates Members FREE; non members $5
NEW Boat Cruises & Tours, Wednesdays, 10AM - 4:30PM
The Estates and Captiva Cruises will be offering Boat Cruises and Tours from Captiva Island to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. The NEW cruise tour will provide a unique look at the Caloosahatchee River and its important ecologically and culturally, a great view of the Estates from the water, lunch at a private club and a tour of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Ticket cost is Estates Members $60 adults, $50 children (ages 12 and under); non members $70 adults, $60 children plus tax and includes cruise, lunch and tour of the Estates. Seating is limited and reservations are suggested by calling 239-472-5300. Customized private tours can be scheduled for groups, departing from various locations any day of the week. For more information contact Captiva Cruises 239-472-5300.
Behind the Scene Tours, Thursdays 10:30AM
Visitors will enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour inside the Edison and Ford homes These unique tours are offered at no cost to Estates members and $40 for non members. Due to the intimate nature of "Behind the Scenes" space is limited and registration is required.
The Estates is open daily from 9AM - 5:30PM. The Estates is the winner of the 2009 National Stewardship Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is an official project of "Save America's Treasures" at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a Florida Historic Landmarked a National Register Historic Site. For additional information call 239-334-7419 or visit the website at www.efwefla.org.
