The California Historical Radio Society (CHRS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization founded in 1974 to promote the preservation, restoration, research and publication of early radio, wireless communication, and broadcasting history.

Special Events

Shoppers browsing tables of records and radio gear under a covered area at the CHRS All You Can Eat Radio Buffet swap meet

November Swap Meet & Surplus Sale

Join us on Saturday, November 7 at Radio Central for our November Swap Meet and Surplus sale! Setup begins at 8:00 and sales open at 9:00 AM.

Come find something special.

Learn More

Brian Copeland stars in Not a Genuine Black Man, a benefit performance for CHRS, Saturday, November 21, 7 PM, Marines' Memorial Theater, 609 Sutter St., San Francisco

CHRS Benefit

Book now to join this special BENEFIT for CHRS & BARHOF featuring Brian Copeland in his acclaimed ‘Not a Genuine Black Man’ at Marines’ Memorial Theater (San Francisco) on Sunday, November 21 at 7 PM!

Get Tickets

Sound Bites logo: STEM for Kids 5-15, California Historical Radio Society, with a radio tower and microphone icons

Sound Bites: Vacuum Tube Craft

Calling all kids! Join us at Radio Central on Nov 21 from 10 AM–12 PM to get creative while learning technology history. This hands-on workshop teaches kids all about vacuum tubes and how they helped power early radios and electronics. Transform a real vacuum tube into a decorative creation!

Learn More

Front of the CHRS Radio Central building on Central Avenue in Alameda, seen from the street at dusk

Latest News & Publications

View the latest “Listening In” and the archive of the newsletter, and Journal archives from 1975-2021

Jazz orchestra playing on an outdoor stage with Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame banners behind them at a CHRS event

Events Calendar

Explore our events calendar for workshops, speaker series, exhibitions, and more. Check often to stay updated on exciting happenings at CHRS!

Girl in a pink sweater and an adult working together on vintage radio equipment at a CHRS workbench

Membership

Join or renew your membership. Membership benefits include access to exclusive events, informative newsletters, and a community of radio enthusiasts.

Volunteers in yellow CHRS shirts working at tables inside Radio Central

Volunteer

Volunteer with us to work on exciting projects, assist in the museum, join events, and be part of a community of radio enthusiasts. All are welcome!

Woman and a man shaking hands as he accepts a check, in front of an NBC peacock sign at Radio Central

Donate

Donations fund our programs, exhibits, and restorations, ensuring radio’s legacy continues to inspire and educate future generations.

Wooden shelves holding vintage radios of various sizes and colors in the museum store

Museum Store

Shop the CHRS store for unique radio merchandise, including books, vintage radios, memorabilia, and exclusive CHRS-branded items.

Aisle of tall wooden bookshelves in the CHRS library at Radio Central

CHRS Mike Adams Library

Our archives offer rich insights into radio’s evolution, featuring historical documents, rare recordings, photos, and technical manuals.

Woman in a red shirt and mask working on a radio with a schematic nearby at the Radio Repair Clinic, September 30, 2023

Radio Repair

Get your electronics fixed! Our restoration program connects you with experts dedicated to restoring vintage radios and electronics to their former glory.

Man and two children watching vintage television sets glowing with a picture at the museum

Television

CHRS’s television section explores early TV history with a collection of vintage sets, rare broadcasts, and historical artifacts.

Two volunteers repairing a vintage radio at a workbench in the CHRS restoration shop

Programs

Learn more about CHRS programs: Society of Wireless Pioneers, Bay Area Radio Museum, Radio Hall of Fame, and Broadcast Legends.

Museum room at Radio Central with display cases, arched windows and a tall wooden radio cabinet

See Our Collection

The museum displays an impressive collection of historic radios, vintage TVs, rare recordings, and broadcasting memorabilia.

1930s tall wooden tube console radio with a round dial and a grille cloth

Consoles in the Community

Join our ‘Consoles in the Community’ initiative, placing restored vintage radios in public spaces. Contact us to bring one to your business!

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