The telephone has revolutionized communication technology, revolutionizing how we keep in touch with family and friends. Founded by retired ED TEL employees, this museum offers group tours so visitors can experience history first-hand!
This fascinating museum showcases working Panel and Crossbar Electromechanical Central Office Switches; Operator Switchboards; Outside Plant Displays containing poles cables and splicing equipment; Antique wooden box phones and candlestick wall phones along with manual cord boards are just some of the items on display here; there is even a catalogued telecom reference library.
Opening Hours
The Telephone Historical Centre was established by retired ED TEL employees with the aim of preserving telephone history and informing people about this unique form of communication technology. First opened to the public on December 3, 1987, this Edmonton museum originally sat within an old phone exchange building located in Old Strathcona before eventually moving to its current home at Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre.
This museum encourages visitors to interact with equipment in order to gain a deeper understanding of how communications technology has progressed over time. Their impressive collection of antique phones and equipment includes manual cord boards; step-by-step private automatic branch exchanges demonstrating stepping switch principles; wooden crank wall phones and candlestick telephones with antique line insulators; electric working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office switches; outside plant displays featuring poles, cables, splicing equipment and tools; an extensive library dedicated exclusively to telecom books and catalogs; group tours for schools or other organizations.
This museum is unique in Canada and provides visitors with an unforgettable experience that showcases this astounding technological marvel. Anyone with an interest in telecom history should visit this facility!
Admission
The Museum of Telecom History is an exceptional and engaging institution that preserves telephone-related artifacts while exploring the rich history of telecommunication. Operated by retired ED TEL employees and located in Central Edmonton, this museum specializes in collecting, researching, organizing and documenting historical telephone objects before displaying them on display for visitors’ use. They encourage interactions among visitors as they encourage use of equipment or phones during tours.
The Museum boasts an impressive collection that includes everything from antique wooden box phones, candlestick wall phones and classic rotary phones, to working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office switches; manual switchboards featuring step-by-step private automatic branch exchanges to demonstrate stepping switch principles; outside plant displays featuring poles, cables and splicing equipment and tools as well as an extensive reference library on telecom literature – not forgetting its interactive experience and hands-on approach to technology – making this museum well worth a visit!
Guided Tours
Established by retired ED TEL employees, the museum boasts an extensive collection of telephone equipment ranging from wooden boxes and candlestick wall phones to antique switchboards and old switchboards. Group and individual tours are both available.
Most of the equipment at the museum is interactive, inviting visitors to use its phones and switches! There are various manual cord boards, an interactive Step-by-Step Private Automatic Branch Exchange which illustrates stepping switch principles, working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office switches as well as multiple manual cord boards.
The museum also offers visitors an intriguing collection of antique line insulators – devices used to connect phone lines – as well as mementos from past Olympic Games in Los Angeles and Albuquerque Balloon Fiestas, including antique Olympic posters and commemorative telephones designed specifically to remember them. Early 20th-century wall phones can also be found scattered about, encouraging visitors to extend their imagination as they try placing calls using one.
Volunteer Opportunities
No matter your volunteer interests are, from enriching tours and event logistics support to enhancing collections and programs – there are numerous rewarding volunteer opportunities at The Museum of Flight! If this appeals to you please complete the following application form and submit.
The Museum’s collection of telephone memorabilia is impressive and distinctive – wooden box phones, candlesticks, classic rotary dial phones and working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central switchboards can all be found on display here. Thanks to museum volunteers’ generous donations from former telephone workers who donated items from their basements or attics for this display.
Volunteers act as ambassadors in both the Museum and Memorial, greeting visitors proactively while providing them with information on exhibitions and guided tours available inside both spaces. This role requires both time and training commitment, with spaces only opening when positions become available; training usually covers 50-60 hours over four months – apply now to be placed on a waitlist for future training sessions!
