Roseville Telephone Museum — Attraction in Roseville

The museum has great exhibits and the volunteers are nice. My only dissatisfaction was that one of the two volunteers who explained the switchboard history did so in a very sexist manner. He represented the switchboard operator, Myrtle, would force callers with an emergency to gossip before connecting them to the doctor they were trying to reach. Then, “a brilliant man” (who was identified by first and last name) fixed that problem by inventing a mechanical switch mechanism that bypassed the switchboard operator. Let’s give Myrtle a little credit in the future. All the time would be the right thing to do but particularly when there are little girls and boys listening and also when retired Telephone Company employees are present. Operator’s made quick emergency connections that saved lives. My Mother, who is 84 yrs old, was with me today listening to this “history.” She was a Ma Bell Information Operator and an Engineer’s Assistant who physically checked on circuit equipment. She was and...

Very nice collection of telephones and telephone equipment, from the late 1800s to the modern era. Better than I was expecting! They even have some working examples of manual switchboards and electromechanical switches that can be demonstrated, plus a couple interesting diorama-type displays.

If you are interested in old telephones, communications, and/or local history, this is well worth the visit. If you are interested in railroads, they have some railroad communication equipment on display AND the museum is adjacent to a large rail yard!

Their website says open by appointment for groups of 10 or more, but it doesn't hurt to inquire even if you have a smaller group -- they may be able to add you to an existing group's tour or, as in our case, simply open the museum to a smaller group if they happen to have someone...

It's not the biggest of museums but definitely one of the best around. There is ample free parking lot near the building. The docents are friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and patient answering all our questions. Kids were awed by historical phones they've not ever seen, and several were able to use them in demos and for taking pictures. Saw old phone books, and there was also a vast collection of glass and porcelain telephone line insulators. Spent almost two hours here. My second time here and would come back...