Visit this unique museum and trace the evolution of telecom technology from Alexander Graham Bell’s attic workshop to today’s sophisticated cell phones. Here, visitors will discover an astounding collection that is sure to excite both children and adults.
The Telephone Historical Centre in Edmonton, Alberta boasts working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office switches; antique telephones and switchboards; outdoor plant displays featuring poles cables splicing tools; an organized telecom reference library and knowledgeable docents (current or retired telecom employees) who offer guided tours.
Opening Hours
Established in 1987 and moved to Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre two years later for enhanced accessibility, this museum houses one of the world’s premier collections of antique telephones and equipment dating back to Alexander Graham Bell’s groundbreaking invention in 1876. Visitors are offered an interactive experience exploring communication technology from laboratory bench to living room while inspiring enthusiasm for engineering.
From wooden wall phones and classic rotary dialers, to replicas of small town America independent phone exchanges with glass line insulators, the museum houses an impressive variety of devices. Additionally, working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office step switches, operator switchboards, outdoor plant displays featuring poles cables splicing tools as well as an extensive cataloged telecommunications reference library are displayed here.
Docents (current and former Bell System employees) offer knowledgeable tours through this facility, making the Telephone Historical Center ideal for family outings, school field trips or group sightseeing tours.
Admission
Telecom Pioneers (a non-profit 501(c)(3) Bell System employee service organization) operates this museum located within the historic Jefferson Barracks Park Telephone Building in Jefferson Barracks Park. Featuring one of North America’s premier collections of antique telephones. Experience how communications history has progressed from Alexander Graham Bell’s gallows frame phone through wireless technology today! It provides a dynamic learning opportunity. The museum features working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office switches; antique phones operator switchboards; outdoor plant displays with poles cables splicing equipment tools for display; as well as a comprehensive cataloged Telecommunication Reference Library with knowledgeable docents (current and retired telecommunication employees who volunteer their time) offering guided tours through its collection.
This Edmonton museum first opened on December 3, 1987 in Old Strathcona neighbourhood and then relocated two years later for increased accessibility at Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre downtown Edmonton. Established by retired ED TEL employees, its purpose is the acquisition, research, documentation exhibition and storage of historical materials related to telephone technology and telecommunication devices.
Guided Tours
Visit the Roseville Telephone Museum for a family outing, school field trip or sightseeing tour and discover one of North America’s largest collections of vintage telephone equipment! It offers something for all age groups.
This museum showcases everything from wooden box phones and classic rotary dialers, to replicas of American independent telephone exchanges with line insulators – wooden box phones, classic rotary dialers, replicas of small town American independent telephone exchanges complete with line insulators as well as working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office step switches, operator switchboards, outdoor plant displays with poles cables splicing tools as well as an archived reference library are just a few highlights here.
The Museum has partnered with PocketSights, the free mobile tour guide app, to offer two self-guided walking and driving tours highlighting local history. Simply download it, enter your location and select one of the stop numbers displayed at the museum – for instance “Stop 1” is conveniently located right behind its visitor center allowing an effortless start!
Special Events
Established by retired telecom employees, this museum houses one of the world’s finest collections of antique phones and equipment. First opening its doors on December 3, 1987 in Old Strathcona neighbourhood, two years later moving to Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre to facilitate group tours or individual visits.
The museum features everything from Alexander Graham Bell’s original gallows frame phone, classic rotary dial phones and antique line insulators to working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office switches, antique telephones and switchboards, outdoor plant displays with poles cables splicing tools equipment; cataloged telecommunications reference library as well as knowledgeable docents (current or retired employees from telecom companies) who provide guided tours throughout the museum.
Visit the Telephone Historical Centre if you want to experience how communications technologies have advanced from wooden wall phones and operator-directed designs through to today’s pocket sized cell phone technology. With interactive exhibits for both children and adults alike, the Telephone Historical Centre fosters engineering passion while entertaining its visitors simultaneously.
