Thomas Alva Edison perfected the first commercially viable incandescent light bulb, giving a sensational public demonstration of it on December 31, 1879. The light bulb and many other inventions were developed at Edison's laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey, which many consider the first industrial research laboratory. Later Edison moved his operations to West Orange, New Jersey, which is the current site of the Thomas Edison National Historical Park.
"It Happened Here: New Jersey" is a production of Kean University, in partnership with the New Jersey Historical Commission. Additional funding is provided by the Brotherton Trust and AT&T. The series is narrated by Willie Geist, and produced by PCK Media. For more information about New Jersey's 350th Anniversary, visit www.officialnj350.com.
