The Edison Birthplace is Proudly STEPS Certified by the American Association for State and Local History.

STEPS (Standards and Excellence Program for History Organizations) is a national recognition program from AASLH that guides museums toward best practices in management, collections care, interpretation, and community engagement.

In 2025, the Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum achieved Gold and Silver-level certification across six key categories—placing us among a select group of museums recognized for meeting and exceeding national standards.

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STEPS Gold & Silver Certified Organization

Our Achievements at a Glance

Category	Level	Summary	Criteria
Audience & Community Engagement	Gold	Programs and partnerships that make the Birthplace relevant and accessible to all.	View Standards
Interpretation	Gold	Research-based storytelling connecting Edison’s life to today’s visitors.	View Standards
Stewardship of Collections	Gold	Excellence in documentation, conservation, and access to artifacts.	View Standards
Stewardship of Historic Structures & Landscapes	Gold	Preservation of Edison’s home and property to national standards.	View Standards
Management	Silver	Responsible financial, facility, and staff management ensuring long-term sustainability.	View Standards
Mission, Vision & Governance	Silver	Transparent, ethical leadership aligned with our mission.	View Standards

What STEPS Means for You

Being STEPS Certified means that recognized best practices support every visit, program, and artifact at the Edison Birthplace.

For visitors: A safe, educational, and authentic experience.
For donors: Confidence that resources are managed responsibly.
For historians and educators: Trusted research and preservation standards.

Explore Our Standards

Mission, Vision & Governance

We’re guided by a clear mission and accountable leadership that ensures Edison’s legacy is preserved with integrity.

We operate with a defined mission, vision, and values that drive all decisions.
Our board and leadership maintain transparency, ethical oversight, and legal responsibility.
We engage in thoughtful planning and evaluation to fulfill our mission effectively.
Our staff and volunteers are supported and empowered to advance the museum’s goals.

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Management

We manage our people, finances, and operations responsibly to ensure the Birthplace thrives for generations.

We maintain transparent financial practices that support long-term sustainability.
Our facilities, policies, and risk management meet professional standards for safety and stewardship.
We plan strategically, monitor progress, and adapt responsibly to changing needs.
We protect institutional records and use technology effectively to support operations.

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Stewardship of Historic Structures & Landscapes

We preserve the Edison Birthplace home and property to the highest preservation standards so visitors can experience them as authentically as possible.

Our historic buildings and grounds are meticulously cared for in accordance with recognized preservation guidelines.
We strike a balance between public access and responsible conservation.
Repairs and maintenance honor the original character and integrity of the site.
Environmental sustainability and documentation guide all preservation decisions.

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Stewardship of Collections

Our artifact collection is preserved, documented, and interpreted with the utmost care and professionalism.

Every object is legally and ethically acquired, documented, and cared for.
We provide appropriate storage, environmental control, and conservation.
We ensure collections remain accessible for research, education, and exhibitions.
We plan for emergencies and uphold the public trust through transparent collection policies.

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Interpretation

We tell Edison’s story through accurate, engaging, and inclusive interpretation rooted in research and relevance.

Programs and exhibits are grounded in verifiable historical evidence.
Interpretation connects Edison’s innovations to today’s audiences in meaningful ways.
We evaluate interpretive experiences regularly to ensure clarity and impact.
Educational initiatives foster curiosity, encourage dialogue, and promote accessibility for all visitors.

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Audience & Community Engagement

We serve and engage our community through welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative practices.

We identify and understand our audiences to better serve their needs.
We build partnerships that strengthen community connections and participation.
We ensure all visitors feel respected, represented, and welcomed.
We continually evaluate visitor experiences and accessibility initiatives to ensure ongoing improvement.

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