National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting - VOA Museum

45069 West Chester, OH, United States of America (USA) (Ohio)

The story of international broadcasting comes alive.

More significant is that for many, living in foreign lands, it remains a source of inspiration. It was from this site that millions of people in thousands of cities worldwide first learned about the United States. Our culture, values and dedication to freedom and the democratic process became bright beacons of hope and aspiration as the Voice of America beamed its broadcasts from this rural hill top in Ohio to millions around the world.

Here are some things you will see when you visit.

The Museum is a work in progress. Volunteers are lovingly and expertly are crafting new exhibits and experiences to interpret the history of the Voice of America at Bethany Relay Station. Volunteer docents are available to answer your questions. Some volunteers were part of the Bethany Station when it was operational and can relate personal stories and experiences.

The Main exhibits at the Museum deal with the history of the Bethany Station and the Voice of America.

When President Roosevelt began to plan for high power radio stations able to reach all parts of the world with information about the United States, he turned to Crosley and his corps of pioneering engineers to make it happen. Crosley had already constructed and operated WLW at 500,000 watts making it the most powerful in the world. He also operated WLWO, a high power shortwave station, beaming programming to Europe.

The engineering team was up to the task and built from scratch six 250,000 watt transmitters and 24 antenna arrays capable of reaching millions of listeners in Europe, North and South Africa and South America.

The level of technology innovation that took place in this building beginning in 1943 is as groundbreaking as any now being accomplished in Silicon Valley.

Crosley was a prolific inventor and innovator and his interests went well beyond radio. He manufactured an extensive line of home appliances.

The Voice of America Exhibit

When you first arrive don't miss watching our award winning documentary video. It summarizes the history and importance of the Voice of America and, more specifically, the Bethany Relay Station, home of the Museum.

From there you will be ushered into the main control room where you can see first hand how operators controlled the six high power transmitters and switched between programming in more than 20 languages.

During your tour be sure to drop into the "Ham Shack." Members of the West Chester Amateur Radio Association are on hand to demonstrate some of the amateur radio equipment still transmitting from Bethany Station.

Volunteer docents are on hand in the Media Heritage and Gray History of Wireless exhibit areas. There you can relive some memories of radio and TV in the tri-sate area as well as learning about the pioneers in the development of radio technology.

Vision

The main transmitter room which once housed the six high power short wave transmitters will modifyed.  This area will be the main exhibition concourse. The space will be restored to the ambiance of the 1940’s, complete with the original second level observation platform located off the main lobby. The main exhibit space will feature an 8,000+ open area and another 5,000 sq. ft. of smaller display rooms. Archival and support offices will occupy the second floor of the main building. There will still be some 3000 sq. ft. of undeveloped space.

Gray History of Wireless Collection

This extensive display features radio from the beginning in the 1920s with the discovery of the crystal diode radio and extends to the developments through the 1980s.

Begin your visit at the newly designed timeline display that provides a visual overview of the history of wireless communications from its genesis up to today. Then visit two large display rooms. One room has early radios prior to 1930 and the second room extends beyond the 1930s to the 1980s.

The founder and namesake of the Gray Collection is G. J. "Jack" Gray, 1900-1970, W8JDV of Mason, Ohio. Born in Middletown, Ohio on the banks of the Great Miami River, Jack was only twelve when he first became interested in wireless telegraphy. It was the start of a life-long affair with all things wireless. Visit the collection at the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting in West Chester, Ohio.

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