The National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting, a short drive from Hamvention, has announced expanded hours for Hamvention weekend. The Museum is located at the site of the former Voice of America Bethany Relay Station in West Chester, between Dayton and Cincinnati, just off the I-75 Tylersville Road exit.

From 1944 thru 1994, six of the most powerful shortwave transmitters in the world broadcast to listeners seeking truth in Europe, Africa and South America from the Bethany Station. Every week millions heard programs in 50 different languages beamed globally from this hilltop. Those attending the 2019 Dayton Hamvention will have ample opportunity to visit. The Museum is located about 35 minutes from the main convention activities.

The Ham Shack for WC8VOA will be open, as well as some unique exhibits such as the comprehensive collection of Drake Amateur Radio gear, the remaining Collins 250,000 watt transmitter, the 1960’s VOA Master Control room, the Powel Crosley Jr. Exhibit, and an exhibit about the US Coast Guard Cutter “Courier” a cold war era floating radio transmission facility that relayed VOA Bethany broadcasts to the Middle East and Soviet Union.

The VOA Museum is open every Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 pm.

National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting Special hours for Hamvention Attendees

• Thursday 16th May from 4 to 9 pm

• Friday 17th May from 4 to 9 pm

• Saturday 18th May from 1 to 9 p

• Sunday 19th May from 1 to 5 pm

Admission is just a five dollar donation.

In addition this year, the museum has a special offer for new donors visiting during Hamvention on Saturday 18th May 2019. From 6:30 to 9 pm, new Museum donors of at least $45 will receive:

• Free general admission to the Museum

• A guided tour of the Museum’s Crosley Collection

• A tour of the historic WLW transmitter site featuring the Crosley 500 kw WLW transmitter.

This tour will be conducted by internationally known broadcast veterans Jay Adrick (AY-drick), K8CJY and Geoff (Jeff) Mendenhall, W8GNM. Transportation from the Museum to the WLW transmitter site and back is included. Space is limited on the WLW transmitter tour, and reservations are required.

National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting - http://www.voamuseum.org.