The Edison & Ford Winter Estates is a local historical museum in the Fort Myers area. Vistors come from all over to see the homes of Thomas Alva Edison and Henry Ford. There is also a 15,000 square foot museum, hundreds of Edison and Ford inventions, 20 acres of lush tropical botanical gardens and 500 unique plants, flower and trees. It is a full-time operating attraction, open 363 days per year. We host over 300,000 visitors per year.

There are a variety of opportunites in all facets of the museum available to students depending on skills and areas of interest. In addition, the Estates offers a variety of Service Learning opportunities throughout the year on a project basis. For example, in December there is an opportunity for students to volunteer at our annual Holiday Nights event.

Free tour of Estates while volunteering.

*When volunteering for Colloquium course hours, it's going to involve work in the gardens at the Estates. The horticultural staff enjoys your participation.Horticulture includes weeding, potting, moving plants from one location to another, digging, raking, sweeping, clearing debris etc. etc. Dress for the weather. Closed toe shoes. No short shorts or tank tops. Bring water. Wear sunscreen. Hats are advisable. There is a wide range of activity in the Hort. department. Some of it can be strenuous while some jobs require little strength, such a watering or weeding

It is very difficult to assist you with last minute requests as we need at least 3 or 4 days lead time to plan our schedules. We do not schedule 10-hour days and please plan on at least a week of being here if you are trying to get ten hours.  Horticulture (gardening) work starts at 8:30 AM Mondays through Fridays.