Object Details
user
Edison, Thomas Alva
maker
Edison, Thomas Alva
Description
Thomas Edison used this carbon-filament bulb in the first public demonstration of his most famous invention, the first practical electric incandescent lamp, which took place at his Menlo Park, New Jersey, laboratory on New Year's Eve, 1879.
As the quintessential American inventor-hero, Edison personified the ideal of the hardworking self-made man. He received a record 1,093 patents and became a skilled entrepreneur. Though occasionally unsuccessful, Edison and his team developed many practical devices in his "invention factory," and fostered faith in technological progress.
Credit Line
from General Electric Co.
Date made
1879
used date
1879-12-31
ID Number
EM.181797
catalog number
181797
accession number
33407
Object Name
light bulb
incandescent lamp
Other Terms
light bulb; Lighting Devices; No Base; Horseshoe; Carbon
Physical Description
carbon (overall material)
glass (overall material)
platinum (overall material)
copper (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 6 1/2 in x 2 3/4 in; 16.51 cm x 6.985 cm
Place Made
United States: New Jersey, Edison, Menlo Park
used
United States: New Jersey, Edison, Menlo Park
United States: New Jersey
Related Publication
Kendrick, Kathleen M. and Peter C. Liebhold. Smithsonian Treasures of American History
Sewer, Andy; Allison, David; Liebhold, Peter; Davis, Nancy; Franz, Kathleen G.. American Enterprise: A History of Business in America
See more items in
Work and Industry: Electricity
Energy & Power
Engineering, Building, and Architecture
Work
Industry & Manufacturing
American Enterprise
National Treasures exhibit
Domestic Furnishings
Artifact Walls exhibit
Exhibition
American Enterprise
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_704361