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Thomas Alva Edison was born in Ohio, USA. Fun fact: He was the youngest of seven children! -
His family moved to Port Huron, Michigan, where he grew up. Fun fact: He loved reading and asking lots of questions. -
At only 12 years old, he sold newspapers and snacks on trains. Fun fact: He set up a small science lab inside the train! -
He printed his own newspaper called the Grand Trunk Herald Fun fact: This was one of the first newspapers ever printed on a moving train! -
Edison got his first patent for an electric vote recorder. Fun fact: Not many people used it, but it was just the beginning! -
He opened a lab in Menlo Park, New Jersey, to invent new things. Fun fact: This lab was called the "invention factory." -
Edison created the phonograph. Fun fact: It is the first machine to record and play back sounds. -
He made the first long-lasting electric light bulb. Fun fact: His team tested over 6,000 materials to find the right filament. -
Edison built the Pearl Street Station in New York City, the first power plant in the U.S.A to bring electricity to homes and businesses. Fun fact: At first, only 59 customers got electricity, but it started the way cities use power today! -
Edison died at age 84, but his inventions are still used today. Fun fact: On October 22, 1931, people around the world dimmed their lights for one minute to honor him.