Mina Miller Edison managed a large estate, ran countless charities, raised six children, had an encyclopedic knowledge of birds, and dedicated herself to the theory and practice of women’s labor.

A book launch and signing of “Seduced by the Light: The Mina Miller Edison Story” takes place June 4 at Thomas Edison National Historical Park.

When Mina, a 20-year-old socialite, met Edison, it was an unusual time for he was not working. He was looking for a new wife after his previous spouse died and left him with three children.

In 1947, Mina Edison sold it for $1 to the city of Fort Myers, which opened it that year to the public. Henry Ford, meanwhile, first came to Fort Myers to visit his friend Edison in 1914.

Mina Edison helped preserve her husband's work and their life together. "Ford only spent about two weeks out of the year here, whereas Thomas Edison would spend two to four months," Alexander said.

President Hoover sent a note of condolence to Mrs. Mina Edison which said: ”Mr. Edison . . . made the whole world his debtor. I mourn his passing not only as one of the greatest men our nation ...