Thomas Edison’s Historic ‘Model T Ford’ Makes Pit Stop In West Orange

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A car that once belonged to famous inventor Thomas Edison – which was a gift from another household-name innovator, Henry Ford – recently made a pit stop at a historical park in West Orange.

On Wednesday, hundreds of people gathered for an unveiling ceremony at Thomas Edison National Historical Park to catch a glimpse of a historic 1913 Model T Ford as part of an event hosted by the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

The vehicle, which was a present to Edison, will go on display at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford later this summer, where it will serve as the centerpiece for a simulated “ride to the moon” at a new Entertainment and Learning Center expected to open at the mall in June.

The attraction will give visitors a chance to sing on a karaoke stage alongside holograms of Gloria Gaynor, Wyclef Jean, Frankie Valli and other musical legends with Garden State roots. Guests will also be able to “interview” holograms of Danny DeVito, Jason Alexander, Connie Chung, Laurie Hernandez and more notable Jersey celebrities in the “Late Night Jersey” Television Studio.

“We want Edison’s spirit of innovation to inspire new generations of inventors at his new home at American Dream,” said John Keegan, president and chair of the Charles Edison Fund and Edison Innovation Foundation and chair emeritus of the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

West Orange town historian and public information officer Joseph Fagan pointed out that Edison moved to West Orange with his second wife, Mina, in 1886. The following year, his research laboratory opened on Main Street – where Edison worked until his death in 1931.

Edison’s former facility and home are now part of the Thomas Edison National Historical Park, which is overseen by the National Park Service.

And the gift from Ford that was on display Wednesday is part of Edison’s legacy, Fagan said.

“The iconic Model T Ford revolutionized transportation and was renowned for its reliability,” Fagan said. “In many ways it symbolizes the spirit of ingenuity that sparked innovation in the early part of the 20th century. It further signifies the many pioneering contributions of both Ford and Edison to modern industry and the development of technology we know today.”

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch West Orange Facebook page.