On June 12, radio amateurs gave information and demonstrations about 'Morse code as a means of communication' to the public at the Open Air Museum Arnhem

The interest of the visitors was great. Many were extensively informed. The number of people who wanted to take an "aptitude test" was also above expectations. All in all a very successful day.

This activity was dominated by Morse code as intangible cultural heritage, a status that Morse code received in the Netherlands in 2014.

For this occasion, the grounds of the Open Air Museum was temporarily transformed into an improvised shack and demonstration space. This was already done on Saturday, June 11 by Okko PH2CV, Ernst PA1EJO and Rob PA5V.

On Sunday 12th June 2022, visitors to the farm shack received information about amateur radio in general and Morse code in particular. Many guests had heard of Morse code, some "of the movie", others had to think of "the war".

Okko PH2CV or Rob PA5V meanwhile made CW-QSOs and used the special call sign PA6OLM (Open Air Museum). The speed with which they ended garnered great admiration, especially when they also gave explanations during signaling.

Guests could also try their own Morse skills. One of the instructors (Henk PA0HPV or Okko PH2CV) first told the candidate how he could convert his own nickname into Morse signs, without revealing that name to the instructor. Then he had to "signal" his name and the instructor had to "record". Of course, the graduates received a certificate to take home.

The Open Air Museum had 2290 visitors on 12th June 2022, of whom the VERON team received about 400. Many of them were interested in Morse code for fifteen minutes or more. In addition, Henk PA0HPV awarded more than 40 Morse proficiency certificates. All this gave the team (Remy PA0AGF and XYL Geke, Okko PH2CV, Rob PA5V, Henk PA0HPV, Ernst PA1EJO and Erwin PE1CUP) a lot of satisfaction. This activity is well worth repeating.

More Information - https://tinyurl.com/IARU-Netherlands