Fund-Raising Goals
Although Menlo Park is one of New Jersey's most important
historic sites, it has been so greatly neglected that Preservation New Jersey named it one of the state's top endangered sites.
The current fund-raising effort is focused on addressing two major needs:
1. The Tower's physical deterioration. Due to water infiltration, the concrete is crumbling and corroded reinforcing bars and
other metal surfaces have become visible. The damage is so extensive that a chain-link fence has been erected around the base of
the Tower to protect the public from falling concrete. Repairs to the Tower are estimated to require $3 million.
2. Inadequate interpretation. The existing two-room Museum, originally built as a gatehouse, does not provide adequate space for
interpreting Menlo Park's tremendous historic significance. The building is also deemed inadequate for the protection and
conservation of Edison artifacts. Edison's importance in the history of science and technology presents an unparalleled opportunity.
At Menlo Park, the vision is to create a museum experience integrating core science and technology content with rich historical
interpretation. The preliminary estimate for the new Museum is $10 million.