Theodore Roosevelt and Thomas Edison: A Presidential Connection
On February 11, 1847, the world welcomed Thomas Edison, one of history’s greatest inventors. While Edison is best known for the light bulb, phonograph, and motion pictures, he also had a fascinating connection to a U.S. president—Theodore Roosevelt!
Theodore Roosevelt’s Visit to Edison’s Lab
In 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt made a special visit to Edison’s laboratory in West Orange, New Jersey. Roosevelt, a lover of science and progress, was fascinated by Edison’s many groundbreaking inventions. During the visit, he even recorded his voice on an Edison phonograph, making him one of the first U.S. presidents to have his voice preserved on audio.
Edison’s Impact on Presidential History
Edison’s inventions changed the world, and presidents were among the first to embrace them:
Benjamin Harrison was the first president to have electric lights installed in the White House (though he was afraid to touch the switch!).
William McKinley was the first president to campaign using recorded sound, thanks to Edison’s phonograph.
Theodore Roosevelt’s voice recording on Edison’s phonograph helped set the stage for modern presidential speeches being recorded and preserved.
A Legacy of Innovation
The meeting between Roosevelt and Edison symbolizes the connection between leadership and innovation. Without Edison’s work, modern communication—including radio, television, and digital media—wouldn’t exist in the way we know it today.
