Thomas Edison’s Birthday is celebrated annually on February 11 to honor one of the most prolific inventors in history. Known as the “Wizard of Menlo Park,” Edison revolutionized modern life with inventions like the phonograph, the practical electric light bulb, and motion picture technology. His relentless curiosity and innovation earned him 1,093 patents, making him a symbol of ingenuity and perseverance.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: February 11
- Tagged as: Science, Innovation, History
- What’s the hashtag?: #ThomasEdisonDay
- When was it founded?: Celebrated since 1983 as National Inventors’ Day in the U.S.
- Who founded it?: Officially recognized by President Ronald Reagan
History of Thomas Edison’s Birthday
Thomas Alva Edison was born on February 11, 1847, in Milan, Ohio. From a young age, he displayed an insatiable curiosity for science and mechanics. Despite his limited formal education, Edison’s mother homeschooled him and nurtured his love for learning. Over his lifetime, he developed groundbreaking technologies that transformed industries and everyday life. His birthday is now a day to celebrate not only his achievements but also the spirit of innovation he embodied.
Timeline
- 1847: Born in Milan, Ohio
- 1877: Invented the phonograph
- 1879: Developed the first practical incandescent light bulb
- 1882: Opened the first commercial power station in New York City
- 1891: Patented the motion picture camera
- 1931: Passed away in West Orange, New Jersey
Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 11 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | February 11 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | February 11 | Thursday |
| 2028 | February 11 | Friday |
| 2029 | February 11 | Sunday |
| 2030 | February 11 | Monday |
Observed
Thomas Edison’s Birthday is observed globally as a tribute to his contributions to science and technology. In the United States, it coincides with National Inventors’ Day, encouraging people to embrace creativity and innovation.
Fun Facts About Thomas Edison
- Edison held a world record of 1,093 patents during his lifetime.
- His first invention was an electric vote recorder.
- The first words recorded on his phonograph were “Mary had a little lamb.”
- Despite his fame, Edison was nearly deaf for most of his life.
- He once worked as a telegraph operator, which inspired many of his early inventions.
Quiz
- When was Thomas Edison born?
- What was his most famous invention?
- How many patents did Edison hold?
- What nickname was he famously known by?
- Where did he establish his first laboratory?
Answers:
- February 11, 1847
- The practical incandescent light bulb
- 1,093 patents
- The Wizard of Menlo Park
- Menlo Park, New Jersey
FAQs
Q: Why is Thomas Edison’s Birthday significant?
A: It celebrates one of history’s greatest inventors who transformed modern life with innovations like electric lighting and sound recording.
Q: Is Thomas Edison’s Birthday a public holiday?
A: No, but it is widely recognized and celebrated in scientific communities.
Q: What can I do to celebrate this day?
A: Explore Edison’s inventions, visit museums dedicated to him, or engage in creative projects inspired by his work.
Related
- National Inventors’ Day (U.S.)
- History of Electricity
- Nikola Tesla (Edison’s contemporary)
- Industrial Revolution Innovations