Mysteries at the Museum Season 5 Episode 7 Edison's Electric Pen and More

In season 5 episode 7 of Mysteries at the Museum, titled Edison's Electric Pen and More, viewers are taken on a journey through time to explore some of history's most fascinating artifacts. Host Don Wildman unpacks the stories behind each object, and delves into the often-surprising facts and secrets they reveal.

The episode opens with the story of Thomas Edison's electric pen, a revolutionary invention that promised to speed up the process of creating handwritten documents. Wildman visits the Thomas Edison National Historical Park in West Orange, New Jersey, where he learns about the curious history of the electric pen, and the many obstacles Edison encountered before the device eventually became a popular tool among stenographers and clerks. Viewers get a fascinating insight into Edison's creative process, and the many challenges he faced as he worked to refine his inventions.

From there, the episode moves onto the story of a strange but beautiful statue located in the heart of Manhattan. The bronze sculpture features a naked woman holding a sunflower, and was created by renowned artist Augustus Saint-Gaudens in the early 20th century. Wildman investigates the history of the statue, and uncovers some surprising truths about its origins and significance. Viewers are taken on a journey through New York's artistic past, and learn about the many cultural influences that inspired Saint-Gaudens' work.

Next up is the story of a curious object known as the "wizard oil lamp". This unusual antique was once marketed as a cure-all for all manner of ailments, and was sold by a man named John M. Johnson in the late 19th century. Wildman travels to the Computer History Museum in Palo Alto, California, to investigate the history of the wizard oil lamp, and to learn about the many strange claims that were made about its healing powers. Viewers are treated to a fascinating glimpse into the world of 19th-century medicine, and discover how quack medicine and alternative therapies were often promoted alongside more conventional treatments.

The episode then moves on to the story of an odd but intriguing object known as the Ezekiel Airship. This bizarre flying contraption was designed by a group of Texas farmers in the early 20th century, all of whom were convinced that they had been divinely inspired to create a flying machine based on the visions of the biblical prophet Ezekiel. Wildman travels to the Texas Air and Space Museum in Amarillo, where he learns about the history of the Ezekiel Airship, and discovers why the machine failed to take off, despite the enthusiasm of its creators. Viewers are taken on a fascinating journey through early aviation history, and learn about the many challenges that innovators faced as they attempted to create the world's first successful flying machines.

Finally, the episode concludes with the story of a rather ghoulish object known as the "red barn murder lantern". This curious antique was once owned by a man named Albert D. Richardson, who was brutally murdered in New York in the mid-19th century. The lantern was discovered at the scene of the crime, and eventually made its way into the Smithsonian Institution. Wildman travels to the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to uncover the secrets of the red barn murder lantern, and to learn about the shocking crime that inspired its creation. Viewers are treated to a chilling glimpse into the dark side of American history, and discover why the red barn murder remains one of the most intriguing and mysterious crimes of the 19th century.

Overall, Edison's Electric Pen and More is a captivating and informative episode of Mysteries at the Museum that will appeal to history buffs, science enthusiasts, and anyone with a keen sense of curiosity. With its mix of fascinating objects, insightful interviews, and dramatic reenactments, this episode is sure to enlighten and entertain viewers of all ages.