Modern phone calling may seem like magic; with just a click you can reach mom in Philadelphia or BFF in New York instantly. Yet this museum provides us with a glimpse into its long and fascinating history.
Telephone Historical Centre Collections holds one of the world’s premier collections of antique telecommunications equipment. Among its extensive inventory are operator switchboards, working panel and crossbar electromechanical central office type switching systems, wooden box phones, candlestick phones and classic rotary phones – plus various novelty phone gadgets!
Pointe-a-Calliere
Pointe-a-Calliere stands on the site where Montreal was founded 350 years ago and features remarkable architectural remains from this complex of archaeological museums and history museums. As a national monument, this unique venue depicts centuries of history ranging from early settlement by first peoples up until present day.
Pointe-a-Calliere provides an experience that is truly captivating, from multimedia shows presented within actual city ruins to multisensory walking tours through North America’s first collector sewer, Pointe-a-Calliere provides ample opportunity for contemplation and discovery.
Pointe-a-Calliere will captivate any visitor to Montreal – be it on a family outing, first-timer or simply exploring. Plus, this extraordinary attraction also hosts national and international temporary exhibits as well as numerous cultural activities!
The Bell Collection
The Bell Collection boasts one of the world’s largest collections of antique telephones and telecommunications equipment, providing educational opportunities for children to discover how phone technology has evolved throughout time. Ideal for family visits, school field trips or sightseeing tours.
Gertrude Bell’s archive consists of diaries, letters and photographs written by Gertrude herself – unique in the UK and designated a source of documentary heritage by UNESCO – is one that informs exhibitions and films such as Letters from Baghdad shown by BBC or Werner Herzog’s Queen of the Desert in which actor Damian Lewis used Gertrude Bell’s letters as research for his character.
The Bell Room exhibits an intriguing collection of objects donated by members of the public. Ranging from Alexander Graham Bell’s gallows frame to mobile phones that you carry around every day, these displays demonstrate how one invention has transformed our lives while paying homage to all those who erected poles, laid cables and designed technology over generations.
Interactive Stations
Many of the museum’s collections offer interactive stations where visitors can gain an in-depth knowledge of communications technology throughout its development. One such station features a working switching station which gives visitors an immersive experience in experiencing its power at various stages of its evolution.
The museum features telephone artifacts, such as wooden three-box wall phones and manual switchboards made of wood, along with unique publications relating to Edmonton’s telephone history ranging from its early beginnings up until today’s automated switching networks. Visitors can explore these materials by touring through an archival library of materials pertaining to these telephone innovations from their initial implementation through today’s automated switching networks.
Research has demonstrated the efficacy of interactive learning stations in engaging learners and creating an environment in which they feel in control of their educational journeys. They can help improve knowledge retention by encouraging repetition and application; additionally they create space for reflection and critical thinking ensuring learners develop skills necessary for long-term outcomes including increased academic performance and career success.
Audiovisual Displays
Audio/Visual (AV) systems offer immersive experiences to improve information retention and training outcomes, facilitate remote collaboration and streamline communication; increasing productivity and business growth.
The Telephone Historical Centre showcases over 100 years of telecoms innovation and progress and features an outstanding collection of memorabilia. Perfect for history enthusiasts or families seeking fun family outings or school field trips alike, The Telephone Historical Centre should definitely be included as one of your sights-to-see sites.
This museum displays wooden wall phones, candlestick phones and classic rotary dials from wooden wall phones to operator switchboards, complete two position Kellogg universal telephone exchanges and various sizes and colors of insulators from operators switchboards as well as numerous linemen’s tools and a complete manual system phone from Lincoln Telephone and Telegraph Company – along with dedicated volunteers who ensure its mission is met by providing visitors with up-close look at technology that has transformed communications.
