Have you ever wondered how a phone call actually worked before the age of smartphones? Here at the Connections Museum, in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood, time seems to rewind. The Connections Museum, formerly known as the Herbert H. Warrick Jr. Museum of Communications and even earlier as the Vintage Telephone Equipment Museum, reveals the intricate magic behind communication. This isn’t just a collection of dusty old telephones. The Connections Museum houses a remarkable array of working vintage equipment, from massive switchboards to delicate teletype machines.
The Connections Museum story begins with two Pacific Northwest Bell employees, Don Ostrand and Herb Warrick. They foresaw the disappearance of vintage electromechanical switches due to modernization efforts. With the breakup of the AT&T monopoly in 1984, they seized the opportunity. They secured ownership of these historical artifacts, ensuring their preservation for future generations. Starting in 1985, they meticulously collected and restored these technological marvels. Cranes hoisted enormous frames of switching equipment onto the third floor of CenturyLink’s Duwamish Central Office. Volunteers painstakingly rewired the equipment, breathing life back into these dormant giants. The museum opened its doors to the public in the fall of 1989.
Inside the Connections Museum, you’ll witness a symphony of clicking relays and flashing lights. Imagine the 1923 Panel Switch from Seattle’s Rainier/Parkway exchange, diligently connecting calls. Picture the 1942 No. 1 Crossbar from Seattle’s Lakeview exchange, a marvel of engineering. The 1958 No. 5 Crossbar, originally from Mercer Island’s Adams exchange, stands as a testament to a bygone era. Even a piece of maritime history resides within these walls. The North Electric CX 100, initially installed on the U.S.S. California, found a new home at the Connections Museum after serving in Lester, Washington. You can even see a relic from across the pond. A bright red K6 GPO telephone box, transported all the way from the UK, adds a touch of British charm.
The Connections Museum isn’t just a static display. It’s a living, breathing testament to the ingenuity of the past. Most of the collection remains functional, meticulously maintained by dedicated volunteers. These machines, particularly the No. 1 Crossbar and Panel offices, represent the last of their kind still in operation globally. Visitors can even make calls between the switches within the museum, experiencing firsthand the intricate dance of electromechanical communication. A specially designed computer program simulates calls, ensuring that these historical artifacts remain active and engaged. The Connections Museum isn’t just a museum. It’s a portal to the past, a celebration of the ingenuity that connected our world. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, and a testament to the power of human connection.