Unseen Signals: IEEE Traveling Exhibit

The Pavek Museum will host Unseen Signals, the IEEE Global Museum’s traveling exhibit on the radio pioneer and IEEE Medal of Honor recipient Edwin H. Armstrong. The exhibit traces Armstrong’s contributions to electronic communication by highlighting his technological innovations, patriotism, and the continuing relevance of his achievements. Beginning with an exploration of the humble origins of the radio era during the early 20th century, we invite visitors to immerse themselves in Armstrong’s university years, his military service during the First World War, his alliance with the Radio Corporation of America (RCA), and the rise of the radio broadcasting industry.

Between Armstrong’s triumphs and tragedies, Unseen Signals reveals the profound cultural and political impact of broadcasting and the influence of WWI and WWII on wireless communication. It recaptures how men, women, and children participated in the radio revolution through photographs, advertisements, and our unique collection of radio-branded cultural items and ephemera. Come and see the prototype (superheterodyne) radio from which modern radios are descended, explore period photographs and cultural artifacts, and engage with touchscreen interactives featuring original broadcasts and short documentary films.