Few inventions have had as profound an effect on business, society and culture as the telephone. This extensive collection traces its development from Alexander Graham Bell’s gallows frame phone through to mobile technology used today.
The Museum makes for an enjoyable and educational family outing, school field trip or group sightseeing tour experience. Operated by Telecom Pioneers – a non-profit 501(c)(3) Bell System employee service organization.
Admission
The Telephone Historical Centre boasts an extraordinary collection of artifacts spanning more than a century of communication innovations, from Alexander Graham Bell’s invention through modern smart devices. These exhibits showcase this technology at its best!
This unique museum was founded by retired ED TEL employees and originally located in an Old Strathcona telephone exchange building. After opening to the public in 1987, it later moved to Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre where it has remained ever since.
This museum is one of the largest of its kind in North America and provides visitors with a hands-on experience of telephone history. Staffed by volunteer docents–current and former ED TEL employees alike–the museum offers visitors a memorable tour. Popular destinations for school field trips and sightseeing tours alike, this attraction also houses novelty phones such as Spiderman and Ronald McDonald phones to make learning about phones enjoyable for both children and adults.
Exhibits
From Alexander Graham Bell’s inaugural phone in 1876 to modern cell phones, this collection of telephone-related objects and equipment chronicles technological developments. Exhibits include an exquisite full-sized magneto switchboard, step-by-step automatic branch exchange system and rare phone booths; as well as antique wooden wall phones from the 1800’s such as candlestick style phones or novelty phones as well as explosion proof phones designed specifically to be used in mines or environments where minor sparks could cause havoc.
Knowledgeable docents – current and retired employees of ED TEL volunteering their time – are on hand to guide visitors through the displays at the museum. A technical library offering telephone-related books, catalogs, publications, Edison insulators of various shapes and sizes as well as future exhibits such as Clinton Central Office or step-by-step exchange systems will round out its offerings.
Special Events
The Telephone Historical Centre is one of America’s premier museums of telecommunications. This unique museum showcases the creativity, craftsmanship and industry associated with telecom technology over more than 2600 years – using working equipment to show its progression over time.
The museum features a replica of an old telephone exchange and displays of glass insulators. Furthermore, there is an impressive collection of vintage phones and switchboards from which visitors can gain insight into the history and impact of Bell System technology in modern society. Visiting this institution provides an ideal way of learning more about this important part of American history.
In 1987, retired employees from ED TEL established this museum at Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Complex in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Now among the largest phone museums in North America, it offers activities suitable for all ages with knowledgeable docents available to guide visitors through its exhibits and share knowledge on different pieces of equipment exhibited therein. Plus there’s always the famous interactive robot, Xeldon!
Parking
Telephone Historical Centre can be found within Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre in central Edmonton and is one of its most captivating museums. Established by retirees from ED TEL in 1987, it has since expanded into becoming the largest museum of its type in North America.
The museum showcases an expansive collection of antique telephones and related equipment from around the world, along with other telecommunication-related pieces. Perfect for both adults and children, visitors will be treated to engaging interactive displays that are both educational and enjoyable.
Paid parking options are available around the museum, though be mindful not to enter the ZTL (restricted zone). If you have a disabled hangtag or license plate, however, any space may be used without incurring an extra fee.
