Visitors of this museum may recall Sarah “Sally” Rooke, the switchboard operator who alerted others of an imminent flood and eventually sacrificed herself by warning others to leave before it came sweeping through. Unfortunately, Sally lost her life trying to assist those in danger.
Hello Montreal! was produced by Pointe-a-Calliere in collaboration with Bell using their extensive collection of historical material.
Collections
The museum boasts a vast collection of antique telephones spanning wooden wall-mounted magneto phones to rotary dial and novelty models, as well as operator switchboards from 1920s and 1960s, military telephones from WWI through to Gulf War, operator switchboards from WWI onwards, as well as numerous telephone-related tools and equipment.
The museum features interactive exhibitions which illustrate the development and role of telephone technology throughout history. Visitors can try their hand at operating switchboards used by telephone ladies over a century ago for connecting callers or see how an operator-based switching system could work for your home.
This collection is enhanced by an impressive library of telephone related books, catalogs and technical publications, making up one of the largest libraries of its kind in North America and open for research by both local visitors and international guests.
Exhibits
Our mission is to present the history and evolution of telephone technology over time, using actual working equipment as examples of its development and its effect on society. Additionally, the museum serves as a tribute to the craftsmanship, ingenuity and industry of those within the telecommunications community.
Volunteer docents who are current or retired telecommunications employees will take you on guided or self-guided tours to explain how each piece works and provide commentary about its history in Edmonton. They will answer all your questions while sharing fascinating tales from its history!
The museum features an eclectic assortment of antique wooden box phones, solid wood wall phones with rotary dials and candlestick phone booths from yesteryear as well as modern items including replica manual exchanges from small towns as well as one of North America’s largest collections of telecommunications reference materials. Visitors are encouraged to touch and explore freely without incurring an entrance fee!
Learning Resource Room
The Learning Resource Room features interactive displays designed to enable children and adults to experience how communication technology has progressed over time, such as a fully functioning switchboard that illustrates its change from manual systems to today’s handheld devices.
This collection illustrates the ingenuity, craftsmanship and industry that went into developing telephones from its earliest roots to mobile Internet-enabled phones used today by billions.
The museum also houses a library with books and archival materials which may be viewed by appointment only. Researchers must sign in at the desk and agree to adhere to NYU copyright regulations regarding research access.
Volunteers
There are volunteer opportunities suitable for volunteers of all ages and abilities available at the Museum. After reviewing your application, the Museum Manager may contact you for an interview if current needs match your qualifications and availability. Volunteering is a privilege of Museum membership (youth are exempt), but requires ongoing commitment.
Docent – Guide tours inside the Museum and outdoor Memorial, greeting visitors proactively while providing information about programs, exhibits, and other Museum activities.
Archives/Document Assistant – Rehouse or house photographs in archival quality photographic sleeves, such as plastic envelopes. This work includes sorting duplicates and excessively damaged photos from existing folders in Personal/Family, Subject, Streets/Addresses and Museum collections into new envelopes with their most logical identifier written on them.
Event Support – Welcome and assist at museum events such as Brain Games and History Fest.
Volunteer Gardeners care for five+ garden areas at the Society. Anyone interested can join either a regular or seasonal gardening team.
