Telephone Historical Centre

The Telephone Historical Centre, located in Edmonton, Alberta, was a museum dedicated to preserving the history of the telephone in the city. It was founded by a group of retired ED TEL employees and opened its doors on December 3, 1987. The museum was initially located in a former telephone exchange building in Old Strathcona, but in 2004, it moved to its final location in the Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre in Central Edmonton.

Interactive Experience at the Museum

The Telephone Historical Centre was not just a place to observe, but also to interact. It provided both group and individual tours, allowing visitors to engage with the artifacts. This hands-on approach made the museum a unique experience, as it offered a chance to physically interact with the history of telecommunications.

Historical Telephone Collection

The Telephone Historical Centre boasted a large collection of original telephones, some dating back to as early as 1878, just two years after the invention of the telephone. This collection provided a unique opportunity to see the evolution of the telephone and understand its impact on communication over the years.

Replicas of Early Telephones

In addition to its collection of original telephones, the museum also housed replicas of several early telephones. These included Alexander Graham Bell’s Gallows Frame Telephone, Thomas A. Watson’s Thumper Phone, and the first phone imported into Edmonton by Dominion Telegraph Agent Alexander Taylor. These replicas offered a glimpse into the early days of telephone technology and its development.