From Alexander Graham Bell’s attic workshop to sleek cell phones of today, phone communication has come a long way. This innovative museum documents its tangible history through exhibits like working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office switches; manual private automatic branch exchange that illustrates stepping-switch principles; wooden three-box wall phones and classic rotary telephones from decades gone by; antique operator switchboards as well as an expansive catalogued library full of telecom reference materials.
Jefferson Barracks Park Telephone Building
The Jefferson Barracks Park Telephone Building is a history museum, featuring an extensive collection of telephone-related equipment and memorabilia dating back to 1896. Situated within St. Louis’ 426-acre historic Jefferson Barracks Park in St. Louis, Missouri’s Jefferson Barracks Park Telephone Building operates as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization funded by volunteers from Southwestern Bell, AT&T and their families and friends, as well as local donors who donate regularly.
Jefferson Barracks began as a military post that served to oversee westward expansion and protect early white settlers from hostile Indian tribes. Later it evolved into one of the nation’s premier recruiting and outfitting depots.
Troops from Jefferson Barracks participated in virtually all American western wars and expeditions, from Ulysses S. Grant’s Civil War service there as General to becoming home of one of the first permanent cavalry units ever established by the Army – to nearly every military conflict and expedition since. Many prominent Union generals, such as Ulysses S. Grant himself – used Jefferson Barracks during this era – serving both with them the 1st Dragoons, which later became permanent cavalry unit in United States Army history. This post housed 1st Dragoons which eventually became first permanent cavalry unit ever established by United States Army.
The Telephone Historical Centre
The Telephone Historical Centre of Maitland offers visitors an interactive museum experience communications technology throughout its evolution. The museum exhibits range from Carl Galloway’s use of wooden wall phones and rotary dialers in his father’s grocery store to cutting edge wireless technology. The museum features working Panel and Crossbar Electromechanical Central Office Step Switches, antique phones, switchboards, outdoor plant displays featuring poles cables splicing equipment tools as well as pole splicing tools used by current or retired telephone company employees, cataloged telecommunication reference library as well as knowledgeable docents who are currently or recently employed with telephone companys as docents – perfect for family fun outings, school field trips or group sightseeing tours! Founded in 1987 and relocated to Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre by 2004, for greater accessibility!
The Telephone Museum of Edmonton
The Telephone Museum of Edmonton is one of North America’s premier institutions dedicated to communication technology, offering visitors of all ages a hands-on, engaging experience that showcases this topic. Since opening its doors in 1987, this attraction has featured multi-media presentations by talking robot Xeldon as well as historic footage of Edmonton city itself.
Established by ED TEL retirees, this museum chronicles the development of communications technology from Alexander Graham Bell’s attic workshop to today’s sleek cell phones. Exhibits range from working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office switches, antique telephones and switchboards, outdoor plant displays featuring poles cables splicing equipment tools as well as an extensive telecommunications reference library – with knowledgeable docents who work for or retired from telecom companies providing guided tours through it all.
Starting its journey as the Old Strathcona Neighborhood Museum on December 3, 1987, this facility later moved to Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre for better accessibility. Here you’ll find a wide array of original telephones like Alexander Graham Bell’s Gallows Frame Telephone and Thomas A. Watson’s Humper Phone replicas as well as replicas by Thomas A. Watson himself.
The Telephone Museum of New York
The Telephone Museum of New York provides visitors with a chance to step back in time and witness the evolution of communication technologies. Located on Manhattan’s west side, visitors can explore this historic museum at their own pace. The museum is run by Telecom Pioneers, an employee service organization. Current and retired telephone company employees act as volunteers who operate this non-profit 501(c)(3) employee service organization. It boasts an operational working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office step switch, antique telephones, operator switches, an outdoor plant display with poles cables splicing equipment tools as well as an extensive cataloged telecommunications reference library – perfect for families, school field trips or group sightseeing tours! Additionally, guided tours are also offered making this museum an ideal option for an unforgettable family adventure, school field trip or group sightseeing tour experience.
