Edison and Ford Winter Estates has announced that it will remain open during ongoing construction on Larchmont Avenue, which is located on the north side of the museum. The road closure, which affects the area between McGregor Boulevard and Marlyn Road, is expected to continue for an extended period. Visitors are advised to use the main entrance on McGregor Boulevard or the rear entrance at Marlyn Road and Monte Vista Street. Parking remains available in designated Edison Ford lots as well as at Edison Park Elementary School.
The museum is continuing its programming despite the nearby construction. Upcoming digital discussions include a session titled “Step Into History Digital Edition – Calling Dr. Ford: The history of the Henry Ford Hospital” scheduled for September 9 at 10:30 a.m. This presentation will explore how Henry Ford planned, built, and staffed one of the most advanced hospitals in its time after it opened in 1915. According to organizers, “Learn how the Ford family helped pioneer modern health practices and the personal touches they left on a major medical and scientific institution still running today.” Registration is required for this event.
Another virtual program, “Digital Discussion: Manuel Gonzalez Founder of Fort Myers,” will take place on September 16 at 10:30 a.m., led by museum manager Holly Shaffer. The session will focus on Manuel Gonzalez’s journey from Spain to becoming a boat captain who supplied Union troops during the Civil War before settling his family in Fort Myers after the war ended.
For younger visitors, homeschool classes focusing on physics—specifically forces and motion—are scheduled for September 10-11 from 10 a.m. to noon. These classes align with Next Generation Science and Florida State Standards and feature hands-on activities such as marble roller coasters to demonstrate principles like gravity, mass, speed, and acceleration. Classes are divided by grade level (grades 1-3 on September 10; grades 4-6 on September 11) with fees set at $15 per class for members and $25 for non-members.
Ongoing programs include weekly piano performances every Wednesday at 1 p.m., where Curatorial Registrar Chet plays Mina Edison’s historic George Steck piano in the guest house—a feature included with admission—and regular Step into History presentations held Tuesdays and Thursdays at set times within the museum.
A special membership promotion is also underway this August through a reciprocal agreement with the Holocaust Museum and Cohen Education Center in Naples. Members of Edison Ford can receive free general admission along with an audio or docent-led tour when presenting their membership card and photo ID during August.
The estates also highlighted what’s currently blooming onsite—the Longan tree (Dimocarpus longan), native to Southeast Asia—which produces edible fruit popular in late summer through early fall.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates is located at 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33901.
