Today in History: Thomas A. Edison
Today in History–August 12–the Library of Congress features scientist and inventor Thomas A. Edison, who is credited with completing the model of the first phonograph on this day in 1877. Find out more about the “wizard of Menlo Park” by visiting the Today in History section, where you’ll also find links to other Library sound collections. Then click the links below to access more resources and primary sources related to Edison and inventions.
Primary sources
- Inventing Entertainment: the Motion Pictures and Sound Recordings of the Edison Companies
- Thomas A. Edison image set
- Thomas Edison National Historical Park map & brochure
- Thomas A. Edison historical newspaper coverage
- Modern-day legislation related to Thomas A. Edison
Secondary sources
- Thomas Edison brief bio
- Thomas A. Edison biography
- Thomas A. Edison timeline
- Thomas A. Edison stories from America’s Library
- Edison’s Favorite Invention “Edison Invents the Phonograph”
- Put ‘Em Up, Sister! “Edison Invents Motion Pictures”
- When Things Don’t Work! “Edison’s Failed Inventions”
- Is It Live or Is It Edison? Now See Hear! blog May 21, 2015
Teaching resources
- Inventing Entertainment Collection Connections for teachers activities
- Scientist and Inventor Thomas Edison activity
- Thomas Edison, Electricity, and America lesson plan
- Thank you, Mr. Edison electricity, innovation, and social change lesson plan
- Thomas Edison: The Birth of Recorded Sound activity
- Thomas Edison’s Favorite Invention: The Phonograph activity
Related resources