Edison "New Year's Eve" Lamp

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.

Date Made: 1879Used Date: 1879-12-31

User: Edison, Thomas AlvaMaker: Edison, Thomas Alva

Place Made: United States: New Jersey, Edison, Menlo ParkUsed: United States: New Jersey, Edison, Menlo ParkUnited States: New Jersey

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

Related Web Publication: http://americanhistory.si.edu/treasures

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, National Museum of American History. Treasures of American History online exhibition

Credit Line: from General Electric Co.

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: EM.181797Catalog Number: 181797Accession Number: 33407

Object Name: light bulbincandescent lampOther 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

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-3705-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_704361

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