When we think of famous inventors who were pioneers in the telecommunication field, we think of Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Graham Bell and Guglielmo Marconi.  However, another important inventor who helped in the development of the telephone is Thomas Alva Edison.

Edison was born on February 11, 1847 in Milan, Ohio and grew up in Port Huron, Michigan.  His first job was that of a telegraph operator.  Over the next several years he continued to be a telegraph operator in different locations including Louisville, Kentucky, Elizabeth, New Jersey and Stratford Junction, Ontario.  During these early years, Edison was inquisitive and began reading and asking questions about various topics, and at the age of 22, received his first of over 1,000 patents that he was credited with over his lifetime.

He began his career as an inventor while working in Newark, New Jersey.  During this time he invented an automatic repeater, an improved telegraph process and the phonograph.  In 1876, Edison established the first industrial research facility in Menlo Park, New Jersey.  During this time period, Edison and his company began to introduce a string of inventions that would change people’s lives.  In this time period, the “Wizard of Menlo Park” led the invention of the carbon telephone transmitter, electric light bulb, electric power distribution, fluoroscope, and the kinetoscope – which was the forerunner of motion pictures.

Many of the conveniences that we enjoy today in movies, television and telecommunications can have their roots traced back to the groundbreaking work of Thomas Alva Edison.

Thomas Edison worked for many years as an inventor and had a hand in many innovations and companies, including General Electric, that have changed our world.  Edison lived to be 84 years old, passing away on October 18, 1931 in West Orange, New Jersey, however, his legacy will last forever.

·         Thomas Edison:  resource on the life and work of the famed inventor

·         Edison’s Childhood:  details on the early years of Thomas Edison

·         Edison Biography:  Library of Congress information on Thomas Edison

·         Great Inventor:  information on the inventions of Thomas Edison

·         Wizard of Menlo Park:  resource discussing Edison the scientist and inventor

·         Biography:  details on the life and accomplishments of Thomas A. Edison

·         Edison Papers:  information behind the inventions of Thomas Edison

·         Edison Inventions:  timeline of the events and inventions of Thomas Edison

·         Inventions:  Smithsonian online exhibit outlining some of Edison’s inventions

·         Invention Timeline:  timeline of Thomas Alva Edison inventions

·         Inventions & Patents:  information on Edison inventions and patents

·         Timeline:  timelines of great inventions

·         Answering Service:  information on telecommunication services

·         List of Patents:  listing of patents from Thomas Edison

·         Edison & GE:  information on the founding of General Electric by Thomas Edison

·         Edison Telecommunications:  details of Edison’s work in the telecommunication field