Although many technologies have become peripheral, the telephone remains central to social interactions and identity projects across a spectrum of social settings. This special issue seeks to further our knowledge of its history through case studies with novel perspectives and unconventional approaches.
The museum is owned and managed by Telecom Pioneers, an association of retired telecom professionals. Volunteers operate it.
Founded in 1987
The Telephone Historical Centre is the largest facility of its kind in North America, perfect for all ages and offering hands-on learning of history.
From Alexander Graham Bell’s attic workshop to today’s flip phones, discover how communications technology has advanced throughout its history. Take part in an actual switching station test or hear about one local entrepreneur who used phones to improve customer service at his father’s grocery store.
In 1987, the museum was established by ED TEL retirees and employees as an effort to preserve Edmonton’s telephony history. It features hands-on exhibits as well as multi-media presentations. Furthermore, there is a comprehensive library containing books related to telephone technology; antique telephones; memorabilia; plus there is even replacement parts available here! It serves both family histories research as well as providing replacement parts. This museum stands as Canada’s only such institution – visitors may even discover replacements parts for their antique phones while searching family trees at once!
Laurel Award Nominee
Today, making phone calls seems almost like magic: all it takes is one touch and push of a button before instantly talking with your mom in Philadelphia, grandma in Florida or best friend in New York. But visit the Telephone Museum and you’ll discover it wasn’t always this easy – back then there were wires and cords everywhere!
Girlguiding’s second highest honor, the Laurel Award is bestowed upon members who have made an exceptional contribution to guiding. This usually means being active within their district, division and county; holding various roles within these structures; acting as an outstanding leader within their community and being an example to all around.
Nominees must be proposed by members of their relevant commission and, after being discussed with their commissioner, should include a fully completed awards application form, member’s Guiding History Report and no more than eight letters of support from individual leaders and/or committees.
Located in the Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre
The Telephone Historical Centre (THC) of Edmonton is an Edmonton museum dedicated to preserving the history of telecommunications technology, making it Canada’s sole telephone museum. Established by retired ED TEL employees and opened to the public on December 3, 1987 in an old telephone exchange building located near Old Strathcona before moving its operations to its current home at Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre in 2004.
This interactive museum showcases a vast collection of telephones, tools and other artifacts from years gone by. A great place for children to learn how technology has progressed since their invention; plus there’s even an award-winning multi-media Historical Telecommunications Theatre Show to enjoy!
The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM from Monday to Saturday and closed on Sundays and holidays. Admission fees can be adjusted depending on one’s ability, while group rates are also offered. In addition to these items, this museum also houses the Loyal Edmonton Regiment Military Museum as well as several artifacts from local telephone systems including copper cabling, manhole covers and collectible insulators.
Open to the Public
The Centre is open to the public for research, organization, storage and display of historical materials related to the invention and development of telephones. Owned by a foundation that is accredited with Museums Alberta; their focus is preserving Edmonton’s communication history rather than turning a profit.
The Museum boasts a working switchboard, step-by-step private automatic branch exchange, and hundreds of pieces of telephone equipment on display. Exhibits showcase the history and significance of telephone use across cultures and commerce around the globe while honoring craftsmanship, ingenuity, and industry of pioneers who pioneered telecommunication technology.
This museum is one of its kind in Canada and provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn about the exciting history of telephones. Their collection ranges from wooden prototypes all the way up to modern mobile phones – it even boasts interactive and educational exhibits ensuring everyone will find something of interest here! This makes a fantastic spot for family visits or group outings!
