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"The Pole Line"

Museum Essentials

What's New?
Updated 4/8/07

2007 Calendar

Membership

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Visit Ellsworth

OUR MISSION
is to demonstrate the social and technical significance of the telephone network from 1876 to the present, using working equipment to provide tangible, operable evidence of an evolving technology.
WE CELEBRATE
the inventiveness, craftsmanship, ingenuity and industry of the telecommunications community through educational programs, exhibits, and special events.

The Telephone Museum

2007 CALENDAR

May 12	Project Day
July 1	Museum Open for the Season
July 21	Switcher's Holiday
August 11	Family Day
August 25	Project Day
September 15	Friends, Neighbors and Volunteers Day
September 29	Project Day
September 30	Museum Closes for the Season
October 6	Project Day
October 8	Annual Meeting

GOOD-BYE TO TELEPHONE FAIR,
HELLO TO 3 NEW EVENTS

The 10th Annual Telephone Fair held last year was the museum’s last. Originally established as an open house event to introduce the community to The Telephone Museum, it had become an annual get-together for telephone enthusiasts and families from all over. Historic figures such as Almon B. Strowger and Angus MacDonald entertained the youngsters with telephone tales, and guests such as Dick Violette and Michael Hathaway impressed visitors with their knowledgeble presentations. Special exhibits and games for kids added to the fun.

Do not despair! All this and more is coming this year as Telephone Fair morphs into three distinct and appealing special days: Switcher’s Holiday, Family Day, and Friends, Neighbors and Volunteers Day. Now you have three good excuses to plan that special trip to The Telephone Museum in Ellsworth, Maine!

July 21: Switcher’s Holiday was conceived to give those interested in a more intensive hands-on experience with the museum’s switchboards and switching gear their own day. It will also give the museum staff a chance to train and recruit new technicians. Since our mission instructs us to demonstrate working equipment, we need volunteers interested in learning to maintain, operate, and document this equipment. Satisfy your curiosity, benefit from the experience of our staff and other like-minded individuals, and enjoy a great day in the country!

August 11: Family Day brings back the essence of Telephone Fair with a special emphasis on introducing youngsters to the world of big clickety-clack switches, odd looking phones, puzzling tools and people who worked and lived in a different time. Games, projects and special features such as those enjoyed at past fairs will be presented.

September 15: Friends, Neighbors and Volunteers Day is just what it says: a special day set aside to show our appreciation for those whose support, hard work and neighborliness help us operate year-to-year. Join up as a member, help out at a Project Day, work to further our mission – and enjoy treats and autumn breezes.