Author: Morris Butler
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The Telephone Historical Centre serves as an acquisition, research, organization and exhibition center for telecom artifacts from Alexander Graham Bell’s first telephone in 1876 to modern mobile technologies – inspiring engineering enthusiasts from around the globe! Their collection ranges from Bell’s original prototype phone from 1876 all the way up to modern mobile technologies and inspires engineering enthusiasts from every field!

This research project employed short telephone surveys to stay engaged with HBEC registry members during the pandemic. The findings from this research project contributed significantly to literature and program replication efforts.

THG Museum Collections

The Museum collects cultural objects, relevant natural history specimens and other materials as a public trust. Its collections of objects, photos, media files and paper archives are highly interlinked; one catalog number often covers multiple objects or artifacts that belong together – something the Museum actively pursues through research projects and exhibitions.

From operator switchboards and step-by-step automatic branch exchange systems, to today’s multifunctional mobile phones, our collection depicts the creative design process that has enabled today’s connected world. Our goal is to delight, engage and educate visitors through educational programs and exhibits as well as share its fascinating history.

The Collections Manager of a museum is responsible for overseeing registration, care and documentation of their artifacts; managing onsite collections as well as their offsite storage facilities and associated digital assets; supporting regulatory requirements when it comes to acquisition, loan and display as well as working collaboratively with other department leaders to reach museum goals.

THG Traveling Trunk

Teachers love our educational trunks! They make an ideal addition to any history or social studies unit and contain real and replica artifacts, books, lesson plans, PowerPoints, classroom activities and resource materials tailored specifically for third and fourth grade classrooms – meeting Florida State Standards as they do so!

Learn about the role of Ohlone people during Spanish exploration of Alta California with this trunk. Grind acorns with a mortar and pestle, feel animal skins and use a spyglass to study how these newcomers affected native populations. Plus this trunk features maps, music and videos for an interactive learning experience!

American West Heritage Center offers several trunks relating to its mission, such as Western Oregon history, Utah history and coming soon Oklahoma history. Teachers may utilize these trunks as part of their lessons or enrich content sections in their classrooms.

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From replicas of Alexander Bell’s original telephone to rotary dial phones, this collection provides an interactive tour through the history of telecom. Additionally, it pays homage to those who worked to erect poles, lay cables and manage technology over generations of time.

The museum draws retirees who want a bit of geekery as well as young visitors who were once charmed by its old switchboards and clickety-clack sounds.

Telephones

No matter your interest – whether it’s collecting phones, exploring history or just being curious – there is plenty to see and do here. From Alexander Graham Bell’s invention through to modern day mobile phones – explore them all here!

At Jefferson Barracks National Historic Landmark, this museum exhibits many different pieces of antique telecommunications equipment. Their impressive collection includes a working switchboard, linemen’s tools and parts from Alexander Graham Bell’s original phone.

This eclectic collection explores the development of telecom in Guernsey over time, from traditional rotary dial phones and vintage payphones to KX100 Plus Internet Kiosks and much more! As a non-profit 501(c)(3) museum funded through membership fees and donations for research. This one’s definitely worth seeing!

Switchboards

The Telephone Historical Centre Collections go beyond simply displaying artifacts – their hands-on and interactive stations offer visitors an interactive experience. Museum volunteers, who are often former telecom professionals themselves, assist visitors in using these old phones and switchboards.

Before direct calling became common practice, callers would dial a number and wait for a human operator to connect them with the individual they desired to speak to. Switchboards like this one were responsible for handling hundreds of calls daily.

As soon as a call was placed, an operator would plug a jack for every subscriber before telling them who to connect them with in a soft voice. From there, wires connected the jacks across cities to telephone poles where their respective subscribers were housed – this manual system only lasted briefly before becoming obsolete and being replaced with automated systems.

Wall Phones

The Museum boasts telephones from every era. One standout piece is a replica of Alexander Graham Bell’s first phone, which spoke his famous first words: “Mr. Watson, come here! I need you!”

Our collection also features wooden three box wall phones featuring magneto or switch hooks, glass wet cell batteries and a switch on the back that allows users to hang up the phone – these were in use until late 19th century and are known by collectors as picture frame front telephones.

Colourful painted backdrops add vibrant touches to equipment displays such as the full-sized magneto switchboard, last step-by-step private automatic branch exchange system and panel systems on display here. These exhibits highlight how technological changes have affected America’s telecommunications infrastructure over the years; making this museum a fascinating stop for history buffs, families, school groups and sightseeing tours visiting Edmonton.

Telephone Books

The Collection holds an extensive collection of telephone directories, more commonly referred to as yellow pages or golden pages. These city or business directory books feature lists of individuals alphabetically by name and occupation as well as details such as their housing situation (whether owned, rented or employer provided phone service) as well as type of home they inhabit or rent.

The Collection boasts a two-position Kellogg universal switchboard that allows visitors to test out this early communication technology. There are also telephone postcards and tape recordings commemorating its invention and history; and early newspaper clipping and scrapbook binders that will be microfilmed and distributed among libraries or interested parties for research. This will protect these invaluable records while providing researchers with resources they can access for study.

Phone Booths

This museum not only boasts a working switchboard but also exhibits various telephone booths (such as one designed after Superman) and related items to honor those who made telephony possible by erecting poles, digging cables, designing phones and managing networks over generations of men and women.

The telephone booth, also known as a kiosk or public call box, has become an iconic image of British roadside life and can often be found featuring in films and TV shows from Superman to Doctor Who. Unfortunately however, they have become less common over time due to declining demand. Portsmouth’s K6 telephone box received from Portsmouth New Hampshire as a gift was recently restored by volunteers with its crown design mirroring HMS Sirius’ links with local community life.

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The concertina is a charming, free-reed musical instrument with a rich history and a distinctive sound. Its compact size and expressive tones make it a favorite for musicians in genres such as folk, classical, and maritime music. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, the concertina offers a unique playing experience that is both fun and rewarding.

What is a Concertina?

The concertina is a hand-held instrument played by pressing buttons and manipulating bellows to produce sound. Each button corresponds to a specific note, and the instrument’s design allows for both melody and harmony, making it incredibly versatile. Concertinas are distinct from accordions due to their hexagonal or octagonal shape and unique playing styles.

Types of Concertinas

Concertinas come in several types, each suited to different styles of music and playing techniques:

1. English Concertina

  • Chromatic instrument with alternating notes between hands.
  • Excellent for playing melodies and harmonies.
  • Commonly used in classical and folk music.

2. Anglo Concertina

  • Diatonic instrument with bisonoric buttons (different notes on push and pull).
  • Ideal for Irish traditional music, English folk, and sea shanties.
  • Often preferred for its rhythmic and lively sound.

3. Duet Concertina

  • Designed for playing melody and accompaniment simultaneously.
  • Popular for solo performances and creating full, rich sounds.

Why Choose a Concertina?

The concertina offers unique benefits that make it appealing to musicians of all levels:

1. Compact and Portable

. Lightweight and small, the concertina is easy to carry and store.

2. Versatile Sound

. Suitable for a wide range of music styles, including folk, classical, and contemporary genres.

3. Unique Musical Experience

. Its bellow-driven mechanics and button layout provide a tactile and engaging playing experience.

4. Rich Cultural History

. The concertina has deep roots in traditional music from Ireland, England, and other regions, making it a culturally significant instrument.

How to Choose the Right Concertina

When shopping for a concertina, consider these factors:

1. Type of Concertina

. Choose an English, Anglo, or Duet concertina based on the music you wish to play and your skill level.

2. Button Configuration

Beginners may prefer models with fewer buttons for simplicity, while advanced players might require a wider range of notes.

3. Material

. High-quality concertinas are often made of wood with leather bellows for better durability and sound quality.

4. Brand

. Trusted brands like Wheatstone, Lachenal, and Concertina Connection offer reliable, well-crafted instruments.

5. Budget

. Concertinas range from beginner-friendly models to professional-grade instruments. Set a budget that suits your needs and goals.

Where to Buy a Concertina

1. Music Stores

. Websites like Amazon, The Music Room, and specialty folk music stores offer a wide range of options.

3. Specialty Shops

Stores dedicated to traditional instruments often have knowledgeable staff and high-quality concertinas.

4. Second-Hand Markets

Pre-owned concertinas can be a great option, but inspect them carefully for wear or damage.

Tips for Playing and Maintaining Your Concertin

1.Practice Regularly: Familiarize yourself with the button layout and bellows control to improve your technique.

      2. Start Simple: Begin with basic melodies and progress to more complex tunes as you gain confidence.

      3. Clean and Store Properly: Wipe down your concertina after playing and keep it in a protective case to avoid dust and damage.

      4. Inspect for Repairs: Regularly check for loose buttons, worn bellows, or other issues and address them promptly.

      The Joy of Playing the Concertina

      The concertina is more than an instrument; it’s a gateway to creativity and musical expression. Its compact design, rich sound, and cultural significance make it an excellent choice for both new and experienced musicians. Whether you’re playing solo or in a group, the concertina brings a unique charm to any performance.



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      Though facing challenges that led to its closure, the Telephone Historical Centre left an impressive legacy – including a collection of original telephones dating back to 1878.

      This series contains files containing company memorabilia such as general and specific employee awards, framed artwork, promotional material and scrapbooks. Additionally, there are a few scrapbooks within these files.

      Edmonton’s early involvement in the telecommunications industry

      Nostalgic trips down memory lane and understanding the evolution of communication technology await at this museum. The Danner Museum of Telephony celebrates communication design and technology prior to Apple; with replicas such as Alexander Graham Bell’s wooden-framed transmitter/receiver invention, Edmonton’s inaugural import phone and Thomas A. Watson’s humper phone on display here.

      The museum allows visitors to experience how customers shared phone lines and used signalling techniques to request calls back, with exhibits featuring antique line insulators and old phone sets from different eras as well as antique line insulators from each. Furthermore, their gift shop caters to telephone collectors while also selling books about telecom history as well as fun collectibles like children hats and telephone pins.

      The Telephone Historical Centre’s closure

      The Telephone Historical Centre offers visitors of all ages an engaging learning experience about the history and development of communication technology. Visitors can experience how far communications have come over time from simple wooden wall-mounted phones to sleek mobile phones that meet every communication need today.

      The museum collection contains documents, photographs, equipment and catalogues documenting telephone manufacturing from its first factory in Brantford Ontario in 1878 to Bell-Northern Research and Development Laboratories today. Additionally, several early newspaper clipping and scrapbook binders will soon be microfilmed for distribution to libraries or any interested parties.

      A two-position Kellogg Universal switchboard allows visitors to connect telephone circuits and point of intersections, similar to what was found aboard ships. There is also an extensive collection of kiosks – small metal boxes often found in public places such as hotel lobbies or bus and railway stations that contain telephones – on display here.

      The impact of the centre on the city’s communication infrastructure

      The telephone revolutionized our ability to stay in contact with each other and the world. It eliminated distance-related barriers while opening communication across diverse cultures.

      The Telephone Historical Centre provided people with an opportunity to learn about the rich telecommunications history of Toronto and to interact with its unique interactive exhibits – such as talking robot Xeldon – that were sure to enthrall visitors of all ages.

      But as technology has evolved, its demands have reduced the need for large exchange buildings to house telecom equipment. Many of these old structures have since been converted for other purposes.

      Example: the former AT&T building in New York now serves as a colocation center and hosts various wireless and data hosting companies. Many of these buildings were designed by architects looking to avoid an image of corporate monopoly while local firms were hired as architects or builders of these projects, creating long-standing relationships with telephone companies over decades.

      The legacy of the centre

      The Centre’s collection illustrates the development of communications. Starting from telephones introduced in 1876 up until today’s iPhones, this museum demonstrates how revolutionary inventions have transformed how we communicate.

      Archival Collection consists of documents and photographs from all sources as well as artifactual materials such as equipment, awards, posters, scrapbooks, framed artwork and company memorabilia. Records related to early telephone exchanges and offices within Canada as well as documentation for Bell’s operations overseas are part of this archived collection.

      The founders of this centre were retired ED TEL employees who saw history being forgotten due to building closures and old telephone equipment being discarded. So they established the Telecommunications History Group to preserve these treasured pieces from being forgotten while telling their stories and sharing history. Today, THG houses one of the nation’s largest privately held telecommunication archives as well as two museums dedicated to telecom history preservation, as well as digital resources dedicated to that endeavor.

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      The Museum fosters enthusiasm for engineering by juxtaposing modern telecommunications technology with vintage equipment from days gone by. It features working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office switch equipment, operator switchboards, outside plant displays including poles, wire, and splicing tools as well as an archived telephone reference library.

      Roseville Telephone Museum was established by retired telecommunications employees. Today it boasts one of North America’s finest collections of antique telephone equipment dating from Alexander Graham Bell’s original gallows frame phone to classic rotary dial phones and antique line insulators.

      Winter Park

      Winter Park is known for its old Florida charm and architectural history is part of what gives Winter Park its distinct character. Our Historical Society works diligently to research, preserve and share this history through free educational exhibits, lecture series and outreach programs.

      The Museum provides visitors with an engaging hands-on experience to demonstrate how communication technology has changed throughout its history. You can try your hand at operating a switchboard while learning about the telephone company’s role in connecting our community.

      Crealde School of Art collaborated with Winter Park City officials and Hannibal Square residents from west Winter Park to create the Heritage Center as an enduring tribute to this historic neighborhood. Featuring more than 200 photographs and oral histories documenting Hannibal Square’s past, present, and future development.

      Roseville

      Roseville’s Telephone Historical Centre provides a window into the history of communication technology. Housed in an old phone building, this museum boasts one of the world’s finest collections of antique phones and equipment dating back to 1876 – managed by active and retired Bell System employees who donate their time. On display are rare phones such as those made by Alexander Graham Bell himself as well as an early switchboard; additionally there is also an impressive array of colorful line insulators for viewing pleasure.

      The museum features a children’s area, which provides young visitors with an educational and entertaining experience, helping to foster an appreciation for history. Furthermore, there is a gift shop selling items related to telecom history.

      Roseville Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting local history. Additionally, the society runs a museum which showcases artifacts on display on every first Saturday of each month.

      Seattle

      Centurylink’s Duwamish Central Office houses an incredible collection of historic telephone equipment. As the oldest and complete telephone museum west of the Mississippi, its offerings include old electo-mechanical switching equipment as well as an extensive library on telephone technology. Furthermore, it houses old teletype machines, analog carrier equipment and pay phones – an amazing collection indeed!

      The Museum boasts working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central-office switches, antique telephones and switchboards, outside plant equipment such as poles, cables and splicing gear from its collection, plus its cataloged telecommunications reference library for researchers.

      On the second-floor of the museum is where you’ll find an abundance of old telephones and their equipment, many of them still working and cared for by volunteers, complete with their original lines connected. The museum exhibits provide a fascinating journey back in time before internet.

      Edmonton

      The Edmonton Telephone Historical Centre boasts one of the most extensive collections of antique telephones in North America and should not be missed by history enthusiasts or those just interested in phone history. Perfect for family outings and school field trips alike, its four-story building houses an amazing array of communication equipment and communication devices.

      The museum is a non-profit institution supported through membership fees and research grants. Its purpose is to preserve the history of telecommunications. Their collection includes operator switchboards, working models of Bell’s first commercial phone and numerous pieces from throughout its long history. There is also a small theatre featuring educational films.

      The Jefferson Barracks Park Telephone Building houses the museum, operated by volunteers from Southwestern Bell, AT&T and Telecom Pioneers (a non-profit 501(c)(3) employee service organization). The facility houses working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office switches as well as antique telephones; an outdoor plant display complete with poles cables and tools, an extensive reference library as well as working central office switches that feature Panel/Crossbar electromechnical switching mechanisms; as well as antique phones from previous eras and numerous antique phones from prior eras are all featured here!

      All rights are reserved by Telephone Historic Center

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