California Historical Radio Society

Sound Bite Event- Morse Code
2026-02-14 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Dots and dashes come to life at CHRS! Join us for a fun, hands-on activity where young visitors will learn the basics of Morse code, which is one of the earliest forms of electronic communication, and put that knowledge to work by creating a personalized Morse code keychain using beads.
This drop-in workshop is designed especially for kids and teens and blends history, creativity, and simple problem-solving in an engaging, age-appropriate way. No prior experience is needed, and participants can stop by anytime during the two-hour window.
This event launches a new CHRS initiative focused on offering monthly hands-on experiences for younger audiences, introducing them to the history of communication through interactive learning and making.
Come explore, create, and take home a coded keepsake!
RSVP Please RSVP using the link below so we know you’re coming!

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Sound Bites Event
2026-03-21 10:00 - 12:00 | CHRS Radio Central, 2152 Central Avenue, Alameda, 94501, United States
The March Sound Bites event will focus on podcasting and radio presenting. Come record yourself talking into a microphone! This drop-in workshop is designed especially for kids and teens. No prior experience is needed, and participants can stop by anytime during the two-hour window. Stay tuned for more information.
This event is part of the CHRS initiative focused on offering monthly hands-on experiences for younger audiences, introducing them to the history of communication through interactive learning and making.

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Sound Bites- Museum Quest
2026-04-11 10:00 - 12:00 | CHRS Radio Central, 2152 Central Avenue, Alameda, 94501, United States
Get ready for an adventure through the museum! In this month’s Sound Bites, kids will become explorers as they take part in a fun Museum Quest. Participants will search the museum for special objects, discover fascinating stories about early radios and communication technology, and answer clues along the way, just like real radio detectives!
As they move through the quest, kids will learn how people communicated in the past and uncover some of the coolest artifacts in the museum. Once they complete the challenge and answer the final question, young explorers will earn a prize for finishing the quest.
Perfect for curious kids ages 5–15, this hands-on activity combines history, discovery, and a little bit of mystery!
Sound Bites is designed for kids and their grown-ups to enjoy together. Please plan to stay and participate alongside your child during the event!

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Sound Bites- Then & Now
2026-05-16 10:00 - 12:00 | CHRS Radio Central, 2152 Central Avenue, Alameda, 94501, United States
What’s inside? Radio Vs. iPhone
In May’s Sound Bites, kids will become technology detectives as they explore what’s inside the devices we use to communicate. Participants will get a close look at a dissected vintage radio and a dissected iPhone, comparing the parts and pieces that make each one work.
Through guided discussion and hands-on observation, kids will learn how radios from the past used components like tubes, coils, and speakers to receive sound from the air, while modern smartphones use tiny microchips, circuit boards, and digital technology to do the same things.
This fun activity helps kids see how communication technology has evolved over time while discovering the surprising similarities between old and new inventions. Designed for curious minds ages 5–15, this Sound Bites event is perfect for anyone who wonders what’s inside and to learn how the technologies work!
Sound Bites is designed for kids and their grown-ups to enjoy together. Please plan to stay and participate alongside your child during the event!

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Sound Bites Event- Morse Code
2026-06-20 10:00 - 12:00 | CHRS Radio Central, 2152 Central Avenue, Alameda, 94501, United States
Dots and dashes come to life at CHRS! Join us for a fun, hands-on activity where young visitors will learn the basics of Morse code, which is one of the earliest forms of electronic communication, and put that knowledge to work by creating a personalized Morse code keychain using beads.
This drop-in workshop is designed especially for kids and teens and blends history, creativity, and simple problem-solving in an engaging, age-appropriate way. No prior experience is needed, and participants can stop by anytime during the two-hour window.
Come explore, create, and take home a coded keepsake!
Sound Bites is designed for kids and their grown-ups to enjoy together. Please plan to stay and participate alongside your child during the event!

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Sounds Bites- Radio Kits
2026-08-15 10:00 - 12:00 | CHRS Radio Central, 2152 Central Avenue, Alameda, 94501, United States
Get ready to tune in and turn on your curiosity! In this month’s Sound Bites, participants will build their very own working radio.
With guidance from our instructors, kids will explore the basics of how radios work while assembling a hands-on kit they can take home. Along the way, they’ll discover how invisible radio waves carry sound through the air and power the technology we use every day.
This is a guided, start-to-finish activity, perfect for curious minds who love to build, tinker, and learn by doing. By the end of the session, each participant will have a functioning radio—and a deeper understanding of the science behind it.
Recommended for ages 8 and up.
A suggested donation of $20 helps cover the cost of materials.
Please note: Advance registration is required, as kits are limited. Participants must arrive promptly at 10:00 AM and attend with a grown-up, who should plan to stay and participate throughout the activity.

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Sound Bites Event- Broadcasting and Podcasting
2026-09-12 10:00 - 12:00 | CHRS Radio Central, 2152 Central Avenue, Alameda, 94501, United States
The September Sound Bites event will focus on podcasting and radio presenting. Come record yourself talking into a microphone! This drop-in workshop is designed especially for kids and teens. No prior experience is needed, and participants can stop by anytime during the two-hour window. You will be notified when/ if your PSA will air.
This event is part of the CHRS initiative focused on offering monthly hands-on experiences for younger audiences, introducing them to the history of communication through interactive learning and making.

Sound Bites is designed for kids and their grown-ups to enjoy together. Please plan to stay and participate alongside your child during the event!

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Sound Bites Event- Then and Now
2026-10-24 10:00 - 12:00 | CHRS Radio Central, 2152 Central Avenue, Alameda, 94501, United States
Telephones then and now.
In October’s Sound Bites, kids will become technology detectives as they explore the evolution of the devices we use to communicate. Participants will get to learn about each type of phone (candle stick, rotary, push button, cell phone), practice dialing, then make a phone call in a phone booth from 1900.
This fun activity helps kids see how communication technology has evolved over time while discovering the surprising similarities between old and new inventions. Designed for curious minds ages 5–15, this Sound Bites event is perfect for anyone!
Sound Bites is designed for kids and their grown-ups to enjoy together. Please plan to stay and participate alongside your child during the event!

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Sounds Bites Event- Vacuum Tube Craft
2026-11-21 10:00 - 12:00 | CHRS Radio Central, 2152 Central Avenue, Alameda, 94501, United States
Vacuum Tube Crafting
Get creative while learning a little bit of technology history! Join us for a fun, hands-on workshop where children will discover what vacuum tubes are, how they helped power early radios and electronics, and why they were such an important part of communication history.
After a short introduction, participants will transform real vacuum tubes into one-of-a-kind decorative creations. Whether they choose to make a turkey, snowman, insect, holiday ornament, or invent something entirely their own, kids will have the opportunity to let their imaginations run wild while creating a unique keepsake to take home.
This family-friendly activity is perfect for young makers, artists, and curious minds. All materials will be provided, and no prior experience is necessary. Come learn, create, and bring a piece of radio history to life through art!
Sound Bites is designed for kids and their grown-ups to enjoy together. Please plan to stay and participate alongside your child during the event!

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