Author: Morris Butler
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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!

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Vince Valentine established a museum 10 miles west of Bell’s first phone in downtown Boston after years of fundraising and collecting antique phones. Inside you’ll find an operator switchboard, as well as an impressive collection of phones.

Many museum volunteers are former telephone operatorss or workers who share their knowledge of communications technology with visitors while working tirelessly to keep things running smoothly at the museum.

The History of the Telephone

Telecommunications technology has evolved significantly since its humble origins. At the museum, visitors will find an assortment of telephone equipment and artifacts dating back to Alexander Graham Bell’s invention up through present-day. Group and individual tours are offered.

Visitors will experience wooden box phones and candlestick phones, classic rotary phones and working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office switches from yesteryear. Visitors will learn of the many intricate details that telephone switchboard operators attended to when connecting calls between users. Visitors will also witness firsthand the privacy challenges that initially came with telephone technology: keeping calls confidential was challenging while eavesdroppers frequently invaded privacy.

The History of Telecommunications

Telecommunications have had an immense socio-cultural and economic influence on modern life. While individual contributions may have played a part in major innovations, most were achieved through collaboration among teams of scientists, engineers, and researchers with diverse backgrounds.

1878 – Alexander Graham Bell devises the telephone, making long distance communications possible for the first time ever.

1915 – The Bell System makes history when they place the inaugural coast-to-coast phone call from Europe to America.

1930 – Wireless telegraph systems begin operating without using conductors to deliver signals. 1948 – Microwaves become used as an effective method for transmitting telephone signals and making calls possible even where there are no phone lines present.

Telecommunications Technology

Telecommunications technology enables businesses to stay in contact with their customers through various communication methods, including telephone calls, video conferencing calls and emails. Furthermore, telecommunicating provides businesses with a way of conducting work when employees are offsite or remote.

1672 – Robert Hooke was the first to create an experimental acoustic telephone, showing how sound could be transmitted electronically over wire or string. 1876 – Alexander Graham Bell received his patent for the telephone which forever altered the world.

At present, packet- and circuit-switched networks are the two primary telecommunications systems used by businesses, providing redundancy solutions that protect both network providers and service providers against single points of failure and provide essential redundancies that enable smooth business operations – essential factors in any organization’s success.

Telecommunications Artifacts

The museum’s collection brings pivotal moments in telephone history to life. This includes an operational Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office switch, wooden phone booths, antique hand-crank wall phones and other related equipment as well as a wide array of glass line insulators.

The Violette and Bartlett families’ collection was assembled through retired telecom workers; artifacts are also from other collectors and available for viewing by group tours or self-guided visits to the museum.

Staff and volunteers at the museum are knowledgeable, offering engaging commentary that celebrates important milestones in telephone history. By attending one of their guided tours or exploring on your own, visitors will gain new appreciation for Alexander Graham Bell’s first patent to modern mobile phones.

Telecommunications Research

Researchers in telecommunications research the characterization, representation, transmission, storage and networking of information across space and time. They use cutting-edge technologies in digital signal processing, computer engineering and controls.

Early telephone users needed to visit a central switchboard operator in order to connect, leaving them vulnerable against invasions of privacy from others using the telephone lines.

This museum is operated by an active committee comprised of retired workers with extensive knowledge of telecom history. The facility hosts working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office switches, antique phones and switchboards from different eras as well as an expansive cataloged telecommunications reference library for researchers. Outdoor plant displays with poles, cables and splicing tools make this museum one of the oldest and largest independent telecommunications museums west of Mississippi.

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Telephone Historical Centre Outreach Programs

History buffs and technology enthusiasts alike will enjoy visiting this museum, offering both hands-on experiences that demonstrate key moments in telecommunications’ evolution as we know it today, as well as insight into its iterative design processes that produced life-changing devices today.

The collection traces Alexander Graham Bell’s journey from solid wooden wall-mounted phones with operator direction to multifunctional smartphones in over 150 years.

Programs

Telecommunication museums serve as hubs for collecting, researching, organizing, documenting and exhibiting materials related to telephone communication technology for both children and adults alike. Many telecommunication museums exhibit working telecommunications equipment that illustrates its design processes that produce our interdependent world of communications technologies.

Edmonton Telephone Historical Centre was established by retired ED TEL employees in 1987 to give visitors a vivid glimpse into history through antique wooden box phones, candlestick wall phones, a functional Panel and Crossbar Electromechanical Central Office Switch as well as numerous antique phones from its collections. Visitors will experience all these aspects first-hand at this museum!

Museums offer various outreach programs for their communities such as guided and self-guided tours, hands-on activities, educational workshops that meet school curriculum requirements, as well as off-site community educational events like Traveling Trunk which brings a curated selection of artifacts and resources directly into communities that cannot visit the museum itself. Such efforts foster appreciation for technological innovations which enable today’s telecommunications while developing entrepreneurial minds that drive future connectivity.

Collections

These collections provide a window into the technology that makes modern communication possible, sparking curiosity and increasing appreciation of innovation, creativity, craftsmanship, and industry that contributed to modern connectivity.

At the Telephone Historical Centre, visitors can experience history first-hand – be it an educational outing, family fun day trip or sightseeing itinerary addition. Explore classic rotary dial phones and experiment with an intricate panel switchboard while witnessing how technology has advanced from Alexander Graham Bell’s solid wood wall-mounted devices to today’s sleek cellular phones!

Traveling Trunks Program, hosted by Museum Ambassadors, brings a selection of artifacts and educational resources from Telecommunications History to schools and community groups for an engaging hands-on experience that connects participants to pivotal moments of telecommunications history, showcase iterative design processes and foster discussions on how technology evolves over time. This program is open to participants of all ages.

Volunteers

Volunteers are at the core of our programs, making a meaningful impactful difference in the lives of older adults while making them feel connected to their community. Their heartwarming conversations have earned national recognition from foundations, institutions, and organizations like Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness.

Volunteers interacting with program participants are carefully selected and trained, then subjected to an intensive background check process that includes federal and county criminal and sex offender searches. Mon Ami provides a web-based system that enables telephone reassurance programs by making it simple to connect new call requests with volunteers who are available.

Museum Ambassadors provide visitors with an enhanced visitor experience by welcoming groups, circulating through public zones answering inquiries, directing visitors to programs and exhibitions, and answering any inquiries related to programs and exhibitions. Behind-the-Scenes volunteers offer their expertise by lending support in archives, libraries, conservation laboratories or curatorial divisions related to history.

Education

Telephone Historical Centres preserve artifacts that serve to generate an interest in technology, innovation and culture – from Alexander Graham Bell’s solid wood wall-mounted phones that required operator supervision all the way to modern smartphones with multifunctional capabilities. These museums document local telephone industries through directories, photographs and personal narratives. Furthermore, they host educational outreach programs for both children and adults that align with curriculum requirements while supporting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) learning. Furthermore, some provide off-site community educational programs like Traveling Trunks that bring artifacts and resources directly into communities unable to visit a museum directly.

The STEPS Community at AASLH offers an abundance of professional development opportunities ranging from webinars and recorded sessions, technical leaflets, reading materials and a comprehensive library. Take advantage of the STEPS Resource Center to build your personal collection of AASLH resources while remaining aware of forthcoming professional development opportunities – access it all from your Member Dashboard!

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The concertina is a fascinating and distinctive musical instrument known for its rich sound and compact, portable design. A member of the free-reed family, the concertina is played by pressing buttons while expanding or contracting a bellows to produce musical notes. It is commonly used in folk music, especially in Ireland, England, and parts of continental Europe, but its versatility allows it to fit into various musical genres and traditions.

What is a Concertina?

The concertina is a small, hand-held instrument consisting of two ends connected by a bellows. Each end contains rows of buttons, and pressing a button while moving the bellows produces a sound through internal metal reeds. The way the notes are arranged and how the instrument operates depends on the type of concertina.

There are three main types of concertinas:

English Concertina: Developed by Sir Charles Wheatstone in the early 19th century, this type is unisonoric, meaning it plays the same note whether the bellows are pushed or pulled. It is often used for classical music and English folk music.

Anglo Concertina: A combination of English and German designs, the Anglo concertina is bisonoric—each button produces different notes depending on the direction of the bellows. This type is especially popular in Irish traditional music.

Duet Concertina: Designed to play melody and harmony at the same time, the duet concertina allows players to perform complex musical pieces. Both sides of the instrument have their own ranges, which helps in playing full arrangements.

A Brief History

The concertina was invented in the 1820s and 1830s in Europe. Charles Wheatstone patented the English concertina in 1829 in England, while Carl Friedrich Uhlig developed the German concertina around the same time. These instruments became widely popular in the 19th century, particularly among sailors, travelers, and folk musicians due to their small size and rich, loud sound.

Throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, the concertina gained popularity in music halls, churches, and homes. It was used for a variety of musical styles, from sacred hymns to popular songs and folk dances.

Construction and Playability

The concertina’s structure is both simple and ingenious. The bellows act as the lungs of the instrument, pushing air through reeds that are activated by pressing buttons. Unlike the accordion, which has keys or piano-style buttons, the concertina uses small round buttons on both ends.

Playing the concertina requires coordination and practice, especially for the Anglo and Duet systems. Each type of concertina has its own learning curve and button layout, but once mastered, it offers a wide range of musical expression.

Uses in Modern Music

While the concertina is most often associated with traditional music, it has found a place in modern and contemporary music as well. Folk musicians frequently use it for dance tunes, jigs, reels, and sea shanties. In classical and experimental music, it is appreciated for its unique sound and dynamics.

In recent years, the concertina has experienced a revival, with musicians exploring its capabilities in genres such as jazz, pop, and world music. Thanks to its expressive potential and portability, it remains a valuable instrument for both solo performers and ensembles.

Conclusion

The concertina is more than just a folk instrument—it is a piece of musical history with enduring appeal. Its unique sound, rich cultural background, and versatility make it a favorite among musicians around the world. Whether played in a traditional Irish pub or on a modern concert stage, the concertina continues to inspire and captivate listeners. For anyone interested in exploring traditional music or learning a new instrument, the concertina offers a rewarding and engaging experience.



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The concertina is a small, bellows-driven free-reed musical instrument, renowned for its distinctive sound and compact design. Often associated with folk music traditions in Europe, particularly in England and Ireland, the concertina has a rich history and continues to be used in a variety of musical styles around the world.

Origins and Historical Background

The concertina was invented in the early 19th century. Two key inventors are credited with its development: Sir Charles Wheatstone in England and Carl Friedrich Uhlig in Germany. Wheatstone patented the English concertina in 1829, while Uhlig developed the German concertina around the same time. These two systems evolved independently and led to the creation of different types of concertinas, each with its own tuning, layout, and cultural significance.

The English concertina is fully chromatic and is notable for its unisonoric design—each button produces the same note regardless of whether the bellows are being pushed or pulled. In contrast, the German and later Anglo-German concertinas are bisonoric, producing different notes depending on the direction of the bellows movement, similar to a harmonica or accordion.

Structure and Mechanics

The concertina consists of two hexagonal or occasionally octagonal wooden ends joined by a central bellows. Each end features a set of buttons which control reeds inside the instrument. The player presses these buttons while simultaneously moving the bellows to create airflow and produce sound.

The reeds inside a concertina are made of metal and are mounted over individual air chambers. When air is directed through a chamber, the corresponding reed vibrates, producing a musical note. The layout of the buttons and the tuning system varies depending on the type of concertina—English, Anglo, or Duet being the most common.

  • English concertina: Designed for melodic play with a symmetrical button layout.
  • Anglo concertina: Popular in traditional Irish music; often used for dance tunes.

Duet concertina: Allows for simultaneous melody and accompaniment, ideal for solo performance.

Cultural Impact and Musical Use

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the concertina was a popular instrument in parlors, churches, and street performances. It was affordable, portable, and versatile—perfect for both amateur and professional musicians.

In England, the concertina became a staple in music halls and was often used in comedic and novelty acts. Meanwhile, in Ireland, it became deeply rooted in the folk tradition and is still widely used in traditional Irish music sessions today. South Africa also saw a unique development of the concertina’s role, where it was embraced in Boer and Zulu music, creating a distinct playing style and musical repertoire.

Modern musicians continue to explore the concertina’s possibilities. It is used in classical compositions, experimental music, and even pop and rock recordings. Artists like Alistair Anderson and Noel Hill have helped elevate the instrument’s profile through virtuoso performances and teaching.

Learning and Playing the Concertina

Learning to play the concertina can be a rewarding experience, though it comes with a learning curve depending on the system used. Beginners often start with the Anglo system due to its relative simplicity and wide availability of beginner models.

Because of its compact size, the concertina is an excellent travel companion for musicians and offers a unique tonal quality not found in other instruments. Its expressive dynamics and rhythmic capabilities make it especially suited to dance music and lyrical melodies.

Conclusion

The concertina is more than just a quaint folk instrument—it is a fascinating blend of mechanical ingenuity and musical expressiveness. With a history spanning nearly two centuries, it continues to captivate musicians and audiences alike. Whether in the hands of a traditional Irish player or an avant-garde experimentalist, the concertina proves its versatility and enduring charm. As interest in acoustic and folk instruments grows, the concertina is enjoying a well-deserved resurgence in the global music scene.


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