US Marconi Museum, Bedford, NH -- de W1XH, Al Bates

 
 

Recently, I had a chance to visit the US Marconi Museum in Bedford, NH.  The items on display include
an original Marconi Spark Gap Transmitter, crystal and tube receivers from the early part of the 20th
Century to almost the current day.  There are Atwater Kents, RCA Radioboxes, early Westinghouse
 radio's, home made sets  of every description, and accessories to match.  Speakers, early keys, World
War I Military Surplus rigs as well.   There are some classic Hallicrafters, Hammerlund, and Heath Rigs,
many vacuum tubes, test equipment, microphones, and headphones on display.  Teletypes include a very
early tape punch along with a WWII Model 15 and a "new" Model 32 (or 33).    It is hard to remember
everything on display.

All of the older (priceless) equipment is well labeled and displayed in well lit glass cases.  The newer
equipment is also well labeled in a more intimate, open display.  Everything is easy to see and admire.
The equipment is beautifully maintained.

There is also a library you can visit that seems to have virtually every issue of QST in paper form along
with many other ham related items.

As the name indicates, the US Marconi Museum is heavily directed towards Marconi.  They are
preparing a room for equipment from the Marconi Station on Cape Cod.  In the future, they expect to
get the Marconi transmitter from the Titanic.

The director is Ray, W1BC, made me feel more than welcome.  His personal tour of the museum
was a treat.

The US Marconi Museum is at 19 North Amherst Road, Bedford, NH.  Telephone is 603-472-8312
and the Website is www.marconiusa.org.  I'm not sure what time they are open.  There is  a nominal
admission.