There is also a fully functioning operator switchboard and many hands-on exhibits on display, including several military telephones as well as hundreds of pieces of telecom-related equipment.
Historians who study technologies such as networks, electric grids and water infrastructures might consider how telephone use contributed to forming standards; similarly, historians of house technologies might investigate how it has altered social interactions or identity projects.
The History of the Telephone
Before the invention of the telephone, communication was often conducted face-to-face or through written letters. With its invention, we now take it for granted that news from family and friends could spread much faster and easier.
Alexander Graham Bell may be best-known as the inventor of the telephone, but there were many others who worked to advance technology as well. This museum tells their stories – all those involved with making telephones one of the most vital communications tools of modern society.
The Telephone Historical Centre offers an incredible collection of artifacts dating back to 1878 that can help both adults and children gain insight into this remarkable piece of technology. Visitors can explore everything from manual telephone switchboards to step-by-step private automatic branch exchanges using the stepping switch principle; visitors can even witness how smartphones have advanced from basic models into powerful communication devices over the years.
Exhibits
At the museum, there is an impressive assortment of telephone-related equipment on display, from operator switchboards and military telephones from WWI through the Gulf War to classic red K-6 British telephone boxes.
From the early 20th century until around 1960, most telephone calls were connected through operators connected through a central phone exchange. Most often these operators were female; they were closely monitored and subject to rules regarding personal lives, dress and punishments for talking, laughing or smiling during calls.
1878 saw St. Louis become home of its inaugural exchange just two years after Alexander Graham Bell received his patent – not surprising, considering St. Louis was then one of America’s four largest cities. Today, its museum offers several wooden Magneto boards and an improved Common Battery board – both functional – in its exhibit as well as several early wall phones which ring, dial and fully function; there is also an automated branch exchange demonstrating stepping switch principle; as well as mobile-telephone exhibit which traces evolution of cell phones from 1980s car phones through to present day mobiles cellulars!
Parking
Located in the Water Street neighbourhood, the Telephone Historical Centre is easily accessible from multiple parking options. Street parking is free and plentiful in this area; alternatively there are multiple public lots and garages within a six minute walk of its center that offer parking validation to members. **Parking validation may also be available here for members.
Established by retired employees from ED TEL, the Telephone Historical Centre opened in 1987 as part of the Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre in downtown Edmonton.
