Why a Telephone Museum?
The story of the telephone is the story of human connection. From hand-cranked telephones to smartphones, communication technology has shaped how we live, work, and interact for generations. The New Hampshire Telephone Museum preserves this history and brings it to life through engaging exhibits and hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages.
The New Hampshire Telephone Museum brings the history of communication to life through one of the region’s most fascinating collections of telecommunications artifacts.
Visitors can explore the Museum at their own pace or enjoy a guided tour filled with stories, humor, and surprising moments from telephone history.
Our knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff share unforgettable stories — from the famous race to the patent office, to the undertaker who invented the rotary dial system, to the operators and innovators who helped connect the world long before smartphones existed.
The Museum proudly features the lifelong collections of the Violette and Bartlett families, who together devoted more than 85 years to the telephone industry here in Warner, NH, along with the remarkable collection of longtime telephone worker Garry Mitchell of Woodbury, Connecticut. The collection continues to grow through generous donations from the public, preserving the technology and stories that shaped generations.
More than just a museum of old telephones, the New Hampshire Telephone Museum is an interactive journey through innovation, human connection, and rapidly changing technology. With hands-on exhibits, engaging storytelling, and thousands of artifacts, it has become one of New Hampshire’s "must-see" attractions and a valuable educational resource for visitors of all ages.
Stop in and discover why so many visitors walk through the doors and immediately say:
“WOW!”
Visitors can explore the Museum at their own pace or enjoy a guided tour filled with stories, humor, and surprising moments from telephone history.
Our knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff share unforgettable stories — from the famous race to the patent office, to the undertaker who invented the rotary dial system, to the operators and innovators who helped connect the world long before smartphones existed.
The Museum proudly features the lifelong collections of the Violette and Bartlett families, who together devoted more than 85 years to the telephone industry here in Warner, NH, along with the remarkable collection of longtime telephone worker Garry Mitchell of Woodbury, Connecticut. The collection continues to grow through generous donations from the public, preserving the technology and stories that shaped generations.
More than just a museum of old telephones, the New Hampshire Telephone Museum is an interactive journey through innovation, human connection, and rapidly changing technology. With hands-on exhibits, engaging storytelling, and thousands of artifacts, it has become one of New Hampshire’s "must-see" attractions and a valuable educational resource for visitors of all ages.
Stop in and discover why so many visitors walk through the doors and immediately say:
“WOW!”
The History of the Museum
Alderic O. “Dick” Violette entered the telephone business on April 1, 1946 after returning from serving in the Army during WW II. He started his career at Merrimack County Telephone Company, the local independent telephone company serving the Warner, Bradford and Sutton Exchanges. His first day was spent running an open wire line from the Plains in Warner NH to Waterloo. He was fitted with climbing equipment and given instructions. In 1959 Dick became Plant Superintendent for a neighboring independent Hopkinton Telephone Company which served the Contoocook Exchange. In 1972 he came back to MCTCo as Vice President & General Manager. He also remained with HTCo and managed both companies. In 1977 the two companies merged and merged its work forces as well. His career spanned over 50 years where he did everything from digging pole holes by hand to running cables and splicing wires. He worked his way up through the ranks to the position of President & CEO of Merrimack County Telephone (or MCT Telecom as it was known then) and he retired in 1986. Dick ended his career as Chairman of the Board of MCT until it was sold to TDS Telecom on June 1, 2002.
Throughout his career Dick collected all sorts of telephone equipment, including phones, tools, books and related memorabilia. He always had it in the back of his mind that he would like to one day showcase his collection in a museum. The New Hampshire Telephone Museum Inc. was formed on May 10, 2001 and construction began on the museum building in 2003. In 2005 the Museum opened its doors during the Annual Warner Fall Foliage Festival and had over 500 visitors in that weekend alone.
Since then, the museum has hosted thousands of guests from all parts of the country and world. It features well over 1000 artifacts and has a variety of hands-on activities.
Throughout his career Dick collected all sorts of telephone equipment, including phones, tools, books and related memorabilia. He always had it in the back of his mind that he would like to one day showcase his collection in a museum. The New Hampshire Telephone Museum Inc. was formed on May 10, 2001 and construction began on the museum building in 2003. In 2005 the Museum opened its doors during the Annual Warner Fall Foliage Festival and had over 500 visitors in that weekend alone.
Since then, the museum has hosted thousands of guests from all parts of the country and world. It features well over 1000 artifacts and has a variety of hands-on activities.
Our Goals and What We Hope to Bring to Future Generations.....
Our Mission
The New Hampshire Telephone Museum preserves and celebrates the rich history of communication by showcasing the evolution of the telephone and its profound impact on society. Through engaging exhibits, educational programs, and hands-on activities we connect generations-honoring the past, inspiring curiosity, and sparking conversations about the future of technology.
Our Vision
The museum will have sufficient contributed support and earned revenue to sustain its ongoing operating costs as well as desired program and infrastructure improvements.
- The museum will be considered a “must-see” attraction for visitors to the area.
- The museum will be seen as an important educational resource by schools throughout the region.
- The museum will be engaged in a variety of strategic partnerships and collaborations with other organizations to advance its mission.
- The museum will be known for its exemplary standards of welcome and hospitality.
- The museum will be known for delivering innovative, engaging, content-rich educational programs that are mission driven and audience focused.
- The museum will have sufficient and appropriate staff to carry out its programs and activities effectively and efficiently.
- The museum will have a well-trained volunteer corps at a variety of age levels involved in every area of museum activity.
- The museum will be assessed through the AASLH’s StEP program.