Established by retired employees of ED TEL, this specialty museum showcases the development of phone technology over time and boasts one of the world’s premier collections of antique phones and equipment.
From wall-mounted operator switches made of solid wood to modern cell phones, visitors can explore the history of telecom at this interactive museum. Booked tours are also available.
Opening Hours
Established by retired employees of ED TEL in 1987, this unique museum boasts one of the largest collections of phone equipment and artifacts ever assembled in Canada – and one that can only be found here! Group and individual sightseeing tours allow you to experience hands-on the history of communications technology! Exhibits include electric working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office step switches; antique telephones; operator switchboards; outside plant displays featuring poles cables splicing equipment tools; large cataloged reference library for telecom literature as well as knowledgeable docents (current or retired phone company employees who lead guided tours).
The Telephone Historical Centre provides an ideal place for people of all ages to learn about the development of telecommunications technology. Through interactive exhibits and multi-media presentations featuring Xeldon, Edmonton’s famous talking robot, as well as historical footage, this museum also boasts one of North America’s largest collections of antique telephones – having originated its location in Old Strathcona but later moving closer to central Edmonton via Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre for greater accessibility.
Admission
Established by retired ED TEL employees in 1987, this museum is one of a kind in Canada. With operating operator switchboards, outdoor plant displays that contain poles and cables as well as splicing equipment as well as an extensive catalogued reference library dedicated to telecom literature – groups or individual sightseeing tours are offered making this facility perfect for family outings or school field trips! Group or individual sightseeing tours are available making this facility perfect for family adventures or school field trips!
Visitors will see hundreds of artifacts that trace the development of telephone technology from Alexander Graham Bell’s attic workshop to today’s sleek mobile phones. Touching wooden box phones, candlestick wall phones or classic rotary dialers gives visitors an opportunity to learn more. Visitors may even explore a replica of a small town American independent telephone exchange which features stepping switch principles or operate a manual cord board!
Established in Old Strathcona neighbourhood of Edmonton and relocated to Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre for increased accessibility in 2004, this museum is run entirely by volunteers. Offering group and individual sightseeing tours alike, its collection features working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office switches; antique telephones and switchboards; outside plant displays featuring poles cables and splicing equipment tools, catalogued telecommunications reference library plus knowledgeable docents (current or retired telco workers who volunteer their time) who guide tours throughout the museum.
Exhibits
The museum features one of North America’s largest collections of antique telecommunications equipment and items. It provides visitors with hands-on experiences related to communication technology including working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office switches; operator switches; antique wooden box phones; candlestick wall phones; manual cord boards and step-by-step private automatic branch exchange displays demonstrating step switching principles; outdoor plant displays featuring poles cables splicing equipment tools as well as an impressive library with telecom books and catalogs.
Create an interactive telephone experience requires careful planning and execution in order to achieve an impactful visitor impact. This requires creating an informative narrative with relevant information, interviews with subject experts, engaging voice acting performances and quality audio productions, as well as staff familiar with the content guiding visitors through their interaction and troubleshooting when necessary.
One of the primary challenges involved with interactive telephone hardware installation and management is physical installation and ongoing management. Commercial-grade telephones and components must withstand constant public use; cleaning protocols should also be established to regularly sanitize handsets and buttons.
Parking
The Telephone Historical Centre is one of North America’s premier hands-on museums showcasing how communications technology has developed since Alexander Graham Bell revolutionized communication back in 1876. At this museum you’ll find an eclectic array of telephone related artifacts, such as wooden wall phones and rotary dialers; replicas of small town America independent phone exchanges complete with glass insulators; working Panel and Crossbar electromechanical central office switchboards, antique telephones, operator switches; outdoor plant displays featuring poles cables tools used for splicing equipment; an extensive telecom reference library as well as knowledgeable docents (current or former telecom employees donating their time) who offer guided tours throughout the museum.
The Museum was founded by retired employees of ED TEL and first opened for business in 1987 in Edmonton’s Old Strathcona neighbourhood, before later moving to Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre for greater accessibility. Now located at 108 Avenue E in Edmonton’s centre, this unique museum provides group and individual sightseeing tours for visitors alike.
