Telegraph Museum Porthcurno
Eastern House, Porthcurno, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 6JX
The technology behind communication has changed the world. Mobiles, fibre optics, the World Wide Web, radio and television would not have been possible without the development of the telegraph and early wireless technology. We are here to tell part of this story; from the first use of electricity to how we communicate today. How cable communication and early wireless technology came to change our perceptions and our everyday lives.
Our Heritage
Porthcurno has a unique historic provenance: this is where the telegraph cables that linked Britain with its Empire and other nations came ashore. The valley was the hub of international cable communications from 1870-1970 and also training college for the communications industry until 1993. Porthcurno was the largest cable station in the world.
Our collection is unique in its completeness. We have the only working cable station (complete in all details except the actual cable) in the world. We also have all the supporting materials and associated ephemera that are rarely preserved with such collections. Porthcurno also had one of the earliest commercial wireless stations in 1902 so we are able to show the emerging competition between cable and wireless technology.
Our collection is unique in its completeness. We have the only working cable station (complete in all details except the actual cable) in the world. We also have all the supporting materials and associated ephemera that are rarely preserved with such collections. Porthcurno also had one of the earliest commercial wireless stations in 1902 so we are able to show the emerging competition between cable and wireless technology.
The ethos of the museum is to have as much as possible to be demonstrated in working order. To keep the collections working we rely on the knowledge and support of a dedicated team of volunteers.
The role of the cable station and the training school at Porthcurno has had a significant impact on the valley and local communities. The museum is now a focus for representing local history as well as communications technology.
The role of the cable station and the training school at Porthcurno has had a significant impact on the valley and local communities. The museum is now a focus for representing local history as well as communications technology.
Facilities
- Food and Drink - The museum's brand new cafe is free to enter for museum visitors and non-visitors. Serving great teas and coffees, a scrumptious choice of locally-baked cakes and treats, and a delicious seasonal menu of hot and cold food. Open daily Summer 10:00 - 17:00 and Winter 11.00 -16.30.
- Parking - The museum has a large car park, which also serves the beautiful beach and coastal path. Disabled parking is available closer to the museum entrance. The main museum car park operates a pay-and-display system.
- Access - The museum is fully accessible to visitors with mobility impairments. Most areas are accessible for wheelchairs, excluding the World War II escape steps. A wheelchair is usually available for loan. Disabled toilets are available both in Eastern House and the World War II tunnels.
- Families - Our new exhibitions have been designed with families in mind, and family activities are available every day including trails and creative 'make & take' activities. Interactive exhibitions offer plenty for little visitors to do, touch, hear, try on and even smell. There is a small play area in the museum grounds close to the picnic area. Baby changing facilities are available on site.
- Museum Shop - The museum shop is free to enter for museum visitors and non-visitors. Pick up a unique gift for someone special, or treat yourself. The shop stocks a wide range of beautiful gifts, homeware, jewellery, books, toys, art prints, postcards, greeting cards and pocket money items. Open daily Summer 10:00 - 17:00 and Winter 11.00 -16.30.
Contact Details and Location Map
If you would like further information about the Telegraph Museum Porthcurno
please use the following contact details
Address: Telegraph Museum Porthcurno, Eastern House, Porthcurno, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 6JX
Telephone: 01736 810966 | Email: info@telegraphmuseum.org
please use the following contact details
Address: Telegraph Museum Porthcurno, Eastern House, Porthcurno, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 6JX
Telephone: 01736 810966 | Email: info@telegraphmuseum.org
The blue marker on the Google map indicates our approximate location. Use the '+' and '-' buttons near the top left of the map to zoom in and out. Use the arrow buttons or click and drag to pan around.