Learn the advancements in telephone technology since Alexander Graham Bell revolutionized communication in 1876! This interactive museum makes for a thrilling family outing, school field trip or group sightseeing tour!
It features working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office step switches, antique phones, operator switchboards and outdoor plant displays with poles cables splicing equipment tools – plus a cataloged telecommunications reference library!
Museum Hours
The Telephone Historical Centre brings iconic moments in telecom history to life, from wooden wall phones and rotary dials to the smartphones that make our lives more connected – this museum is an absolute must for history enthusiasts and tech enthusiasts alike!
This hands-on museum, first established on December 3, 1987 in Edmonton’s Old Strathcona neighborhood and relocated two years later for greater accessibility to Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre, ranks among the largest of its kind in North America. Among its exhibits are working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office switches as well as operator switchboards; antique phones; outdoor plant displays with poles, cables, splicing tools and equipment; an extensive cataloged telecommunications reference library and much more!
Visitors to the museum have the option of exploring independently or taking guided tours led by knowledgeable docents. Educational programs, including Traveling Trunks Program and free parking with ADA compliant facilities are also offered.
Museum Exhibits
Modern phone calling seems almost magical – push a button, and instantly your mom in Philadelphia or BFF in New York are connected with you instantly. But it wasn’t always this seamless; this museum takes visitors back in time with its vintage wires and cords.
This museum boasts one of the world’s largest collections of antique phones. Operated by active and retired telecommunications employees through Telecom Pioneers – a non-profit 501(c)(3) Bell System employee service organization – it features wooden box phones, candlestick phones and classic rotary phones as well as working Panel and Crossbar Electromechanical Central Office Switches; Operator Switchboards and an Outdoor Plant Exhibit including poles, cables and splicing equipment.
This self-guided history museum provides an immersive learning experience on the development of telecommunications technology from Alexander Graham Bell’s workshop through modern models. Relics displayed will leave visitors stunned at how advanced and sophisticated they once were to operate.
Gift Shop
Today we take for granted what was once cutting-edge technology: phones. At Canada’s only museum of its kind devoted exclusively to phones – The Telephone Historical Centre – there’s an extensive collection of phones from its inception up until modern times on display, perfect for phone enthusiasts and families. There are also educational programs offered regularly for children and school students at this special spot.
Established by retired telecom employees in Roseville, this museum boasts one of the finest collections of vintage telephone equipment in North America. Among them is working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office switch equipment; working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office switchboards; outside plant displays featuring poles wires and splicing tools as well as an impressive reference library dedicated to telecom. Opened as a non-profit institution by retired telecommunications employees in 2007, the Museum also serves as an eye-opener into telecom history, by juxtaposing modern telecommunications technology with equipment from days gone by combining modern telecommunications technology alongside vintage equipment from days gone by.
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The Telephone Historical Centre is a fascinating hands-on museum where visitors can view, hear and touch an impressive variety of antique telephones and equipment dating back to 1885. One of the largest of its kind in North America, this unique venue provides an engaging way to understand how communication technology has developed over time. Perfect as family fun day trip destination or group sight-seeing tour stop for both locals and travelers from abroad alike!
Museum admission is always free. Guided tours for groups of ten or more are offered daily; to book one simply select your date and time below before clicking “Reserve.” Please keep in mind that tour reservations are subject to availability; tour slots per day are limited so we suggest making your reservations as early as possible.
