National Capital Radio & Television Museum — Attraction in Bowie

This museum is an authentic treasure. It's well worth the effort to visit this small, "out of the way" location. The building is full of vintage radio and television equipment from the 1920s through modern day. Everything is in pristine condition and presented in interesting groupings. Our docent, Mr. David Greene, I believe, guided us through the displays spanning the history of radio and telegraph communications from its inception to today's technology. The treasures include ham radio and commercial radio as well as the earliest television sets of the 1950s. I had no idea there was such a thing as a mechanical television. Our docent regaled us with information and descriptions of early radios to include consumer trends and how the various manufacturers marketed their new technology. You will likely see relics from your own past and fondly remember your earliest experience with radio and TV equipment long forgotten but beautifully preserved here. You may find one visit is not enough to fully...

A charming, small museum (and I love small museums in general) We were there several years ago, and remember an especially good experience because one of the volunteers gave us a tour, and provided a thought-provoking historical context to all the interesting (and sometimes beautifully crafted) objects gathered there. He conveyed that long before the Web, radio seemed like a miracle, bringing voices and music and information out of the air. (He was a farm-boy out on the plains of depression-era Midwest). Large museums, such as the nearby Smithsonian line-up, are impressive. But they exert a pressure to keep moving on, while a small museum like this is logistically an easy afternoon outing, that allows time to ponder and discuss and really look at what's offered. More people should know...

I am biased because my husband volunteers at this museum. It is only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday and it is a tiny museum in a farmhouse. It teeters on the verge of being a cabinet of curiosities because the walls have many 20th century radios and later televisions. The volunteers, who give tours, are typically people who used to work in radio or studied it. They are very passionate, but you will either get a tour about the technical aspects of the medium OR the cultural impact. It is great for all ages and children will learn something simply by being exposed to this early technology. The museum welcomes scouts, home groups, seniors and homeschoolers. There are a few hands...