This museum in downtown Pittsburgh provides an interactive experience by showcasing how telephone technology evolved through an impressive collection of antique phones and switchboards from several retired telecom engineers’ personal collections. Now open for group tours as well as self-guided walks, this museum makes learning about telephony fun!

From Alexander Graham Bell’s wooden-framed experiment to Thomas A. Watson’s humper phone, this vibrant museum provides an educational yet entertaining journey through communications history.

Museum Hours

The Telephone Historical Centre featured an impressive collection of original telephones dating back to their invention two years earlier in 1878 – two years before Alexander Graham Bell first unveiled his Gallows Frame telephone and Thomas A. Watson’s Thumper phone, as well as being imported into Edmonton by Dominion Telegraph Agent Alexander Taylor for Dominion Telegraph Agent Alexander Taylor to use with Dominion Telegraph Agent Alexander Taylor himself! Additionally there was also a manual operator switchboard, phone booth and electromechanical central office switch with working panels and crossbars electromechanical central office switch plus outside plant equipment including poles cable splicing tools etc exhibited for visitors’ inspection and use!

Museum volunteers include former telephone operators and employees with an avid interest in passing on their knowledge of telecommunications technology to future generations. Many volunteers disassemble old phones so that visitors can see inside them and explore what components convert voice into electric current. The Museum is non-profit organization accredited with Museums Alberta.

Group Tours

Established by retired telecom employees, this museum specializes in collecting, researching, organizing, documenting and displaying telephone-related items. Group and individual tours are available.

Enjoy an immersive journey back through time at this extraordinary museum, from early switchboards to contemporary smartphones. Marvel at how far communication technology has come, while developing an appreciation for all of the clever ideas and innovations that have helped shape our world today.

The Museum features one of the largest collections of telephones in North America, dating back as far as 1878 – two years after Alexander Graham Bell first created them! Other highlights include an electric working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office switch; manual switchboard with step-by-step private automatic branch exchange to illustrate stepping switch principles; candlestick phones made of wood or porcelain as well as antique line insulators; outdoor plant displays including poles, cables, splicing equipment and tools; as well as an extensive reference library.

Self-Guided Tours

This museum provides visitors with hands-on experience with telephone technology. Additionally, the exhibit traces the history of Winter Park Telephone Company – making this an excellent place for family outings or school field trips.

Telecommunications History Group was created by both active and retired telecommunications employees who were concerned that historic items would be lost as buildings were demolished or departments no longer required them. THG seeks to preserve such objects for future generations.

Exhibits at the museum display various original telephones dating back to 1878 – two years after Alexander Graham Bell invented them – such as rotary models, candlestick phones, wooden wall mount phones, phone booths and Princess phones.

Other exhibits at the museum include a manual telephone switchboard, working panel and crossbar electromechanical central office switch and outside plant equipment such as poles, cable and splicing tools for outdoor plant work. Furthermore, character phones and pioneer pins from many eras are on display as well as numerous antique line insulators dating back to different centuries.

Admission

Telephone Historical Centre is an innovative museum that allows visitors to engage with its artifacts. Offering both guided tours and self-guided visits, as well as hands-on experiences with original telephones from its collection spanning just two years after the invention of telephone, it forms part of Museums for All’s program of free admission for people receiving SNAP benefits by showing an EBT card at participating museums nationwide.

The museum was established by retired ED TEL employees and opened on December 3, 1987 in Old Strathcona neighbourhood of Edmonton. Later it relocated to Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre in central Edmonton where it operates under non-profit status and is accredited with Museums Alberta. Visitors will enjoy browsing its extensive collection of wooden box phones, crank phones and novelty items which take them back in time; working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office switch equipment and outside plant displays including poles cables splicing equipment tools as well as its cataloged Telecommunications reference library!

Our museum serves as an acquisition, research, organization and documentation center for telephone history materials. Its collection demonstrates the progression of communication technologies from solid wood wall mounted operator directed phones to modern multifunctional pocket cell phone displays.

Exhibits like our reconstructed private automatic branch exchange with stepping switches and candlestick wall phones allow for hands-on exploration. Furthermore, outreach workshops encourage STEM education as well as intrinsic curiosity by tapping into America’s rich telephone history.

Education

The Museum is an acquisition, research, organization, documentation and exhibition center dedicated to telecommunications artifacts from Alexander Graham Bell’s wall-mounted phones with operator direction to modern multifunctional mobile phones – its collections excite both children and adults’ curiosity about technology and innovation across history.

Museum ambassadors provide welcome services, circulate through public areas and answer inquiries regarding programs and exhibitions. Meanwhile, behind the scenes volunteers support library archives conservation laboratories as well as event planning efforts.

Given the abrupt restriction of in-person health education and research activities during the Covid-19 pandemic, HBEC staff and CAB created this telephone outreach project in response to registry participant engagement needs. This paper describes its framework, key results and lessons learned for replication of similar efforts. HBEC staff used it bridge the digital divide, decrease social isolation, refer patients to resources while collecting rich data that will inform future efforts to identify and meet community needs.

Outreach

Telephone Historical Centre has long prioritized community engagement as part of its program, and this Covid-19 pandemic project fits right in with this tradition by mobilizing a team to support older adults during a pandemic and collect rich data about their lived experience.

Participants were interviewed regarding their specific needs and resources during a pandemic, using calls conducted by volunteer callers paired with Society Team Leaders who provided oversight. These brief telephone surveys served multiple functions simultaneously: they offered touch points to decrease isolation; recommended relevant resources; as well as collected rich sets of data that will aid future research efforts.

Visitors to the museum can explore antique telephone artifacts, including working switching equipment and telegraph keys used to form Bell’s initial telecommunication system, along with tools used by linemen such as copper cabling and antique line insulators. Interactive exhibits like stepping switches and candlestick phones allow visitors to learn about telecommunication history.

Exhibits

The museum serves as an acquisition, research, organization, documentation, and exhibition center dedicated to telecommunications artifacts. Their collections inspire children’s and adults’ curiosity about technology and innovation – from Alexander Graham Bell’s solid wood wall-mounted operator directed phones through today’s multifunctional pocket cell phones.

Telephone museums feature hands-on exhibits that give visitors an intimate look into the human stories behind communication technology. Visitors can explore antique rotary dial phones, learn about linemen’s tools of trade and view an expansive collection of global telecom artifacts.

Traveling Trunks program brings museum collection directly into schools and communities who cannot visit directly, while Virtual Museum of Telecommunications makes archival material more available for those without physical museum access.

Volunteers

Volunteers at this museum spark children’s curiosity about technology, innovation and culture by providing children with engaging exhibits that engage their minds with a wide array of educational programs that tap their expertise. Many volunteers at this museum were former telephone workers; others possess formal artifact handling or library/archives experience while having strong people skills.

Education and outreach workshops offer an in-depth exploration of telephone innovations from Alexander Graham Bell’s wall-mounted solid wood phones with operator direction to today’s multifunctional mobile phones. Museum educators often rely on volunteers to lead programs or manage youth activity tables at these workshops.

Information Desk volunteers positioned in the Great Hall provide visitors with details on Anne Frank The Exhibition, other Center exhibitions and programs, tours, public tours, the Reading Room & Genealogy Institute tours and Public Tours as well as Museum Store merchandise and much more. In addition, volunteers welcome visitors and proactively answer their queries, guaranteeing an exceptional visitor experience.

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.

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.

Telephone Historical Centre was established by retired telecom employees. Today, its vast archives contain some of the world’s oldest equipment from years gone by and serve to spark enthusiasm for engineering through modern and vintage telecommunications technology.

At the museum’s central office switch equipment exhibit are both working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office switches as well as operator switchboards, antique phones, outside plant displays including poles, wire and splicing tools and an archived telecommunications reference library.

History of the Telephone

Our Mission is to demonstrate the social and technical significance of telephone networks from 1876 until now by using working equipment as tangible evidence of an evolving technology. We recognize the inventiveness, craftsmanship, and ingenuity of telecom innovators through exhibits and educational programs.

Bell’s invention of the electric telephone heralded in a new era of communication, as did his establishment of an exchange that connected individual subscribers together so they could interact freely.

At first, many saw the telephone as the work of some mad scientist or wizard. Over time however, it became an indispensable part of daily life, outgrowing its initial ridicule and becoming part of our everyday routines. Today we take it for granted yet its development took years of hard work to perfect.

Exhibits

The Telephone Historical Centre showcases working equipment from different eras. Ranging from Antonio Meucci’s early box-shaped phone to more contemporary designs, this museum displays an evolution in communications innovation.

At Jefferson Barracks Park Telephone Building, this museum houses one of the world’s premier collections of telephone and switchboard equipment, such as working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office step switches; antique phones; operator switches; outdoor plant displays featuring poles cables and tools; an extensive telecommunications reference library and knowledgeable volunteers from Southwestern Bell or AT&T who volunteer their services and knowledge as volunteers.

From wooden wall phones and rotary dialers, to replicas of small town American independent telephone exchanges with glass insulators, the museum boasts an incredible range of hands-on telephone technology sure to amaze all visitors. Additionally, there are interesting objects that can serve as teaching tools; for instance, old office telephone computer machines provide a glimpse into communication technology’s development over time as it was integrated into telecom systems over time.

Education Programs

Students attending classes via telephone save both money and travel costs while opening themselves up to new forms of learning. Started in 1955 by Staten Island resident Antonio Meucci, this Smithsonian-affiliated project has now become part of our nation’s educational landscape.

Edmonton, Alberta ED TEL’s museum boasts antique phones as well as an intricate panel switchboard so visitors can experience technology first-hand. Accredited by Museums Alberta, this facility is run by retired ED TEL employees.

Visitors can test crank phones, discover classic rotary dial phones and explore antique line insulators at this museum. Plus they can join a workshop that promotes engineering by tapping into America’s rich history of phone innovation! Tours for schools and groups are available either during regular hours or by appointment (call for info / reservations). In addition, outreach workshops help teach children how to think like engineers by showing them how to solve problems using creativity, engineering principles and technology.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are an integral part of our community and are recognized annually at an appreciation event for their service. While time commitment may be significant, the rewards can be great; with so many ways to engage at Green-Wood we hope that one is waiting just for you – something which allows your unique skills and interests to flourish!

Volunteers participating in our Guided Tour Program welcome visitors and guide them through exhibition galleries at each of the five historic house museums, providing tours from Fridays through Sundays with training provided as necessary. These shifts run for four hours on each Friday through Sunday.

Telephony Museum Volunteers engage with its vast collection of memorabilia to demonstrate how telecom technologies have developed from Alexander Graham Bell’s wooden wall-mounted telephones through modern mobile phones. Volunteers may explore working panel and crossbar electromechanical central office type switching systems, reconstructed private automatic branch exchange exhibits, candlestick wall phones and antique line insulators – among others – within our museum’s walls.

Information Desk Volunteers of Anne Frank The Exhibition provide our visitor groups with warm greetings at our information desk, actively dispensing museum and partner information and answering inquiries about exhibits, programs and tours.