The telephone has revolutionized society – connecting people from around the globe and increasing international trade. Museums preserve and showcase this remarkable piece of technology’s storied evolution from Alexander Graham Bell’s solid wood wall-mounted devices requiring operator supervision up until today’s sleek mobile phones.

Visitors to this exhibit can experience antique rotary dial phones and an intricate panel switchboard, while discovering how iterative design changes have led to what we rely on today.

Educational Programs

Telephone historical centres serve as acquisition, research, organization, documentation and exhibition centers dedicated to telecommunications artifacts. Their collections engage both children and adults’ curiosity about technology, innovation and culture – from Alexander Graham Bell’s solid wood wall-mounted phones with operator direction through today’s multifunctional mobile phones.

Museums often showcase working telecom equipment that demonstrates the iterative design processes behind our world of communications technologies. These unique educational tools help children and adults alike understand technological development over time while inspiring enthusiasm for engineering.

This program was made possible due to the extensive community relationships HBEC had built over two decades, particularly its collaboration with MCUAAAR and accessing experienced staff and registry participants from HBEC who could work directly with older adults. Furthermore, their team of callers were well trained, receiving research ethics training as well as orientation on survey design, telephone script training and data entry procedures.

Community Outreach

Community outreach programs connect participants to museum resources through an engaging workshop or guided tour, serving as a cornerstone of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR), which strives to identify solutions tailored specifically for local needs and aspirations.

Telephone museums contain artifacts to promote children and adult’s curiosity about technology, innovation and culture; from Alexander Graham Bell’s solid wood wall-mounted phones that required operator direction through today’s multifunctional smartphones. Furthermore, local telephone industries are documented through directories, photographs and personal narratives.

This article presents HBEC’s Telephone Outreach Project designed to keep registry participants engaged during the Covid-19 pandemic and provides key results and lessons learned for replication. In addition to building companionship, this initiative provided an opportunity to collect vital public health information ranging from mental and physical well-being assessments to finding resources to address unmet needs and strengthening social bonds – giving researchers an edge when supporting and understanding communities more fully.

Special Events

Telephone historical centres act as centers for acquisition, research, organization, documentation and exhibition that focus on telecommunications history. Their collections ignite children and adults’ curiosity about technology, innovation, and culture – from Alexander Graham Bell’s solid wood wall-mounted operator-directed phones through modern multifunctional smartphones. These publications document local telephone industries through directories, photographs and personal narratives. Additionally, they host educational outreach programs for both children and adults aligning with curriculum requirements as well as offsite community educational events like Traveling Trunks which bring artifacts directly into communities unable to visit museums.

Gridley’s oldest complete telephone museum west of the Mississippi boasts antique wooden box phones, candlestick wall phones and an electromechanical central office switch for visitors to explore classic rotary dial phones and experiment with an intricate panel switchboard to gain insight into communication technology’s history and learn how its iterative design processes have produced what we use today.

Volunteer Opportunities

No matter the age or level of education, volunteering opportunities exist at the Museum and Memorial. Volunteers play an invaluable role as ambassadors, assisting visitors with the exhibits, conducting guided tours or organizing special events.

Teens ages 15-17 can apply to be part of the Teen Volunteer Program where they’ll collaborate with staff on developing programming for teenagers. Spaces will open as needed throughout the year.

Museum volunteers work alongside collections management to clean, catalog and organize artifacts in the collection. Visitors may find them greeting guests in the lobby as well as providing assistance with museum shop sales.

The museum houses an exceptional collection of telecom history, featuring antique wooden box phones, candlestick wall phones and manual cord boards as well as working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office switchboards.

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!

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.

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.

Explore Alberta’s wired telephone history through virtual exhibits and digital collections. These items include vintage telephone directories, technical manuals and books related to telecommunications technology and history.

Educators and students can explore Sheldon Hochheiser, the museum’s archivist, to gain deeper insight into his collection’s strength and weaknesses. He discusses how educators and students may access this resourceful archive.

Collections

The collections housed at the Telephone Historical Centre are quite varied, spanning vintage phone directories and technical manuals from years gone by, to telecom research materials as well as one-of-a-kind books related to telecom technology and history.

THC’s library charts the development of wired communications from Alexander Graham Bell’s original invention through to modern wireless technologies, featuring many valuable original volumes such as 1877’s The Telephone: An Account of Electricity, Magnetism and Sound with Instructions for Making a Speaking Telephone written to meet public demand for more thorough explanation of this new device.

THC also houses an extensive collection of antique telecommunications equipment and artifacts spanning wall-mounted candlestick phones to operator switchboards to manually system telephones from Edmonton’s early telecommunications days – which can be experienced via virtual exhibits, digital collections and educational interactivity. Sheldon Hochheiser, the museum archivist, met up with us recently to talk about these collections as well as their strengths and unique characteristics.

Exhibits

The museum boasts one of the largest collections of antique telecommunications equipment in North America. Ranging from wooden box phones and candlestick phones to rotary telephones, the exhibit showcases how technological advancements in telecommunications have altered global culture over the last more than 100 years.

Visitors can gain insight into Edmonton’s manual system telephone network that was established in 1885 and how it has progressed to automated switching networks today. They can also try operating antique telephones like wall-mounted hand crank magneto and rotary phones as well as the working operator panel and crossbar electromechanical central office type switchboard.

The Museum boasts not only an extensive artifact collection but also offers books on telecom technology and history – such as vintage telephone directories, technical manuals, reference material and scrapbooks from local telephone companies – that provide invaluable historical knowledge. Students studying Alberta telecommunications history find the archive an invaluable resource.

Events

Edmonton’s independent museum dedicated to communications technology advancements showcases antique phones and switchboards from its collection, along with a cataloged telecom reference library – creating an experience both educational and enjoyable for family, school field trips or group sightseeing tours!

This collection showcases the history and evolution of telephone technology from Alexander Graham Bell’s solid wood wall phone with classic rotary dial to today’s multifunctional mobile phones, as well as Edmonton’s rich telecom history such as wooden three box wall phones, the first operator switchboard and more.

The archives house vintage phone directories, telecommunications technical manuals, books and other research references for research as well as historical local telephone company records such as ledgers, articles of incorporation, board meeting minutes and correspondence. Archivists encourage community-based archives staff and volunteer “citizen archivists” to help digitized historical records by contributing metadata tags, transcribing or annotating documents to enhance them further.

Education

Edmonton’s Telephone Historical Centre closed after 31 years, yet its collection remains accessible through online exhibitions and the museum archives – featuring vintage phone directories, technical manuals, books on telecommunication technology and history as well as more recently published works about these subjects.

Archive’s unique original volumes include, for instance, “The Telephone: An Account of Electricity, Magnetism and Sound”, published one year after Alexander Graham Bell invented it.

Group tours may be booked four weeks in advance. The museum is wheelchair-accessible and features an operating Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office switch as well as operator switchboards, telephone-related tools, poles cables and splicing equipment displayed outside plant equipment splicing tools; students may compare telecommunication technologies from solid wood wall-mounted devices to sleek cell phones in use today as well as research the Bell System palaces that were constructed during the 1920s before writing reports about similarities or reasons for construction.