Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:7000 E Marginal Way S
Seattle, Washington
Tel:
(206) 767-3012
The Museum of Communications (formerly known as the Vintage Telephone Equipment Museum), in Seattle, Washington, reveals the marvelous world behind the history of the telephone and the equipment that makes it work. The museum's exhibits date from 1876, with the invention of Alexander Graham Bell's 'electrical speech machine', to the modern day telephone, and include several hands-on fully operational equipment exhibits.
The Museum of Communications houses a lovely collection of old telephones including the British Post Office Call Box Model K-6, which was first introduced in England in 1936. Toll, telegraph, and teletype machines are on display as well as central office equipment and the Western Electric Company's earliest machines and equipment. You'll also find building terminals, open wire leads, and vintage splices.
Other unique equipment showcased at the Museum of Communications include a 1920's vintage movie projector, a 1924 Western Electric washing machine, a commercial AM transmitter, and amateur radio equipment, all of which you can tinker with.
The Museum of Communications is open every Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and by appointment other days. A self guided tour is available as well as guided tours provided by the volunteers. There is no charge for admission and the museum is handicapped accessible.
To reach the Museum of Communications from I-5, exit at the Corson Avenue South, exit #162. Turn left at East Marginal Way into the parking lot on the corner behind the concrete building. The museum is on the corner, but don't look for any windows. Park behind the building and walk to the fence and go down the alley to the ramp. Open the door and take the elevator to the third floor.
From Museum of Communications:
The Vintage Telephone Equipment Museum, now known as The Museum of Communications, is sponsored by Charles B. Hopkins Chapter 30, TelecomPioneers. We are located at 7000 East Marginal Way South, Seattle, Washington, 98108. The museum can be reached on (206) 767-3012 and is open every Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and by appointment other days. There is no charge for admission but donations are gratefully accepted. Handicapped accessible.