Located on a less travelled road in Tacoma, the Telephone Museum at 757 Fawcett Avenue South is a little-known gem in the heart of the city.

The Tacoma Telephone Pioneer Museum is open on Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to noon. You may need to call as their door is often locked, but the group of docents is there, waiting for you. 253-627-2996

On the tour I took in August with Parkland community members, the docents described the entire collection, how the old switchboards worked in the early years and how they changed up until rotary phones. When rotary phones arrived, there were party lines and long distance was still required to go through a switchboard operator.

It is a magical and interesting place. Our communications have come a long way from Western Union, Morse Code, and telegraphs. Make an appointment a go see. You will enjoy it thoroughly.