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American Experience

Edison, Chapter 1

Before he was a legendary inventor, Thomas Edison was a telegraph operator.

Aired 01/27/2015 | Rating NR

American Experience

Edison, Chapter 1

Clip: Season 27 Episode 3 | 9m 22s

Before he was a legendary inventor, Thomas Edison was a telegraph operator.

By the 1920s, Thomas Edison was a prolific inventor and quite possibly the most famous man in the world. But before he invented the phonograph, the lightbulb or the kinetoscope, he was a young boy working as a telegraph operator. He soon began tinkering with the telegraphic equipment and experimenting with his own improvements. "Edison" premieres January 27 on American Experience PBS.

Aired 01/27/2015 | Rating NR

Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

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Annie Oakley's Moving Picture

In 1894 Annie Oakley helped Thomas Edison with an experiment. (28s)

A Day with Thomas A. Edison

In 1922, a film crew came to West Orange, NJ to document Thomas Edison's typical day. (15m 52s)

Beyond the Doc: Edison's Inventions

Go Beyond the Doc to learn about Thomas Edison's lesser-known inventions. (2m 40s)

The Black Maria

Edison tests his new motion picture camera. Premiering Jan. 27 on PBS. (2m 39s)

Edison and Competition

Thomas Edison saw competition as an essential part of invention. Premiering Jan. 27 on PBS (3m 4s)

Edison Preview

The story of the Father of Invention. Premieres January 27, 2015 on PBS. (30s)

Edison's Electric Light

Edison unveiled his electric light on New Year's Eve 1879. Premiering Jan. 27 on PBS. (2m 27s)

Electrifying Manhattan

Edison and team work to electrify Lower Manhattan in 1881. Premiering Jan. 27 on PBS. (2m 59s)

The Kinetoscope

Edison's kinetoscope was a novelty not to be missed. Premiering Jan. 27 on PBS. (3m 32s)

The Phonograph

Edison's phonograph was a sensation. Premiering Jan. 27 on PBS. (2m 14s)

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Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

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