We’ve Come a Long Way!
Over the past year, the California Historical Radio Society (CHRS) has made significant updates to its Radio Central museum in Alameda, California.
One of the most notable projects was the restoration of the building’s front to its original 1900 Mission Revival style. This involved removing a 1964 facade and meticulously recreating historical architectural details, such as decorative panels, two roof towers, a new front door, facia, corbels, lighting, and vintage-style windows. The restoration will be completed in the late spring of 2025, revealing features like terra cotta tiles and ripple glass windows that had been hidden for decades. The project culminated in a dedication ceremony in December 2024, marking a decade-long effort to preserve the historic structure.
The California Historical Radio Society (CHRS) museum has introduced several new exhibits over the past year, enriching its collection and visitor experience.
Inside the museum, CHRS has expanded its displays beyond Early Wireless, 1900-1919, to include our second display, Radio Enters the Home, 1920-1929, and coming soon, the commercialization of radio which will cover 1930-1939. Additionally, we are working on a brand new display in the Hall of Communications downstairs with help from two interns from Cal State East Bay, and we will begin our 1940’s exhibit in the great room soon. These interactive installations allow visitors to experience firsthand how early radio broadcasts were produced and transmitted.
Also noteworthy is the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame (BARHOF) within Radio Central. This exhibit room celebrates legendary Bay Area radio personalities and stations, complementing its online presence. The museum also continues to digitize vintage audio recordings, preserving historical broadcasts for future generations. These additions highlight CHRS’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich history of radio broadcasting
Highlights of the BARHOF room include a functional NBC chime machine from the early 20th century, which plays the 3 iconic notes for broadcasts, a 1940’s Wurlitzer Victory Jukebox, and a Zenith “Walton” radio.
Also noteworthy is the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame (BARHOF) within Radio Central. This exhibit room celebrates legendary Bay Area radio personalities and stations, complementing its online presence. The museum also continues to digitize vintage audio recordings, preserving historical broadcasts for future generations. These additions highlight CHRS’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich history of radio broadcasting.
Highlights of the BARHOF room include a functional NBC chime machine from the early 20th century, which plays the 3 iconic notes for broadcasts, a 1940’s Wurlitzer Victory Jukebox, and a Zenith “Walton” radio.
The museum continues to offer interactive experiences for visitors. A repair lab allows guests to observe volunteers restoring antique radios, while digitization services help preserve old audio formats like broadcaster airchecks. Educational initiatives have also grown, including classes on radio restoration and new youth summer camps.
One of the most exciting upcoming projects is the Sky Terrier Pavilion and Doggie Diner along with the creation of the Garden of Communication Pioneers, which will feature busts of key figures in communication history. This outdoor area will be an extension of our event space and will honor the inventors who laid the foundation for modern communication technologies.
These updates ensure that CHRS remains a vibrant hub for preserving and sharing the history of wireless communication.
Every month, CHRS is fortunate to receive generous donations from collectors, estates, radio stations, and broadcasting professionals. These valuable items are saved from ending up in landfills, as our dedicated team reconditions them for display in our museum or makes them available for purchase through our regular auctions and online sales.
Do you, or your business, have items you could donate to CHRS? Or are you interested in purchasing unique pieces from our collection? Your support helps us preserve and share the rich history of radio – learn more now on how you can donate electronics, memorabilia, and more to support CHRS.
