The Museum of Telephone History chronicles the history and development of phone technology from Alexander Graham Bell’s attic workshop to modern cell phones. Their collection includes manual cord boards and step-by-step private automatic branch exchanges that illustrate stepping switch principles; candlestick and wooden wall telephones as well as antique line insulators.
Home to an impressive 1896 telephone building, it houses one of the world’s finest collections of telephones and related equipment, such as working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office switches; outside plant displays including poles cables splicing tools and equipment; cataloged telecom reference library; knowledgeable docents.
Telephone History
Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone revolutionized communication in 1876 was just the latest step in an evolutionary path that started years before; Antonio Meucci and Charles Bourseul designed similar devices in the 1860s, and Samuel Morse invented the telegraph in 1838.
The invention of the telephone opened up an entirely new world for instantaneous communication. The first telephone line was strung in 1877, followed by construction of its switchboard. Three entrepreneurs required great courage and $600 worth of borrowed funds in order to successfully use Alexander Graham Bell’s device in practice.
Visitor to the Museum can learn about telephone history by interacting with the exhibits on display, making this interactive museum perfect for family outings, school field trips and sightseeing tours alike. On display are working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office step switches as well as antique phones with operator switches; outdoor plant displays with poles cables splicing equipment tools as well as a cataloged Telecommunications Reference Library – perfect for learning!
Ellsworth Museum
Just outside Ellsworth Air Force Base in Box Elder, South Dakota lies this museum devoted to exploring both military and civilian aerospace achievements over history. Boasting four large indoor galleries with unique artifacts as well as memorial ceremonies and aircraft displays – it should not be missed by those interested in aviation and space travel!
The Ellsworth Museum provides free museum passes to patrons with valid library cards in good standing, which may be reserved up to one month in advance and allow FREE admission for up to two adults. You can even reserve this pass online. Among its highlights is Memorial, four white wall sculptures collectively designed as memorial tablets meant to commemorate victims of Holocaust.
New Hampshire Telephone Museum
The New Hampshire Telephone Museum provides an enlightening journey into the history of communication technologies. From hand-cranked magneto telephones on walls to modern wireless technologies, this Warner oasis provides something for everyone. Educational programs, guided tours and hands-on activities complement its collection of artifacts while its ADA compliant facilities ensure accessibility for visitors with disabilities.
Reviewers of the museum have generally been positive, applauding its ability to connect with visitors’ interest in history and technological development. Furthermore, its commitment to education extends beyond physical boundaries with their Traveling Trunks Program that takes artifacts related to telephone technology directly into schools and communities across California – invigorating curiosity about communication technology among learners of all ages.
Edmonton Telephone Historical Centre
Edmonton Telephone Historical Centre is one of North America’s premier interactive museums and should not be missed by history lovers and tech enthusiasts. Boasting an amazing collection of antique telephones and equipment from all around the globe, this engaging museum makes for an exciting family adventure or school field trip experience.
The museum provides a history of communications technology from Alexander Graham Bell’s attic workshop to today’s wireless communications, from working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office step switches, antique telephones, switchboards, outdoor plant displays featuring poles cables splicing equipment tools as well as a cataloged reference library of telecom items. Furthermore, docents (current or former telecom employees) give guided tours through the facility.
At the center of downtown, this historical museum provides history enthusiasts a great opportunity to gain more insight into the telecommunications industry in the city. Exhibits range from wooden wall phones and rotary dialers to replicas of small town American independent phone exchanges with glass insulators insulators.
