Telegrams, old-school telephones, Morse code, semaphore: pre-electronic communications span 300 years of innovation, and a large collection of related hardware and memorabilia is on show at this Clayfield venue. Visitors can see a telephones, telegraph machines, radio equipment, and other items from the development of telecommunications in Queensland.
One of the highlights is the restored 1920s Siemens telephone exchange, which is still operational and can be used to make calls. There's also the looming 'Keith Switch', named after Alexander Keith, the engineer who designed it in 1891 – it's the first automatic telephone exchange machine manufactured by the Strowger Automatic Telephone Exchange Co, Chicago, and was in operation in Sydney from 1921 to 1974. There are old telephone boxes, walkie talkies, and early computer gear that looks like it could have been in 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Visitors can also learn about the history of the Australian telegraph service, which was a vital communication link between Australia and the rest of the world in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Staffed by volunteers, the museum is open to walk-ins on Wednesdays only, 9am-3pm and entry is by gold coin donation. Appointments to visit can be made at other times for a $5 donation per person.
