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Grant Helps Preserve the Roots of American Radio
RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 23, 2017 |
Duquesne University in Pittsburgh is teaming up with the National Museum of Broadcasting (NMB) to preserve history relating to the birth of American radio. It's made possible by $124,219 Educational Access funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, while leveraging Duquesne University's museum and archival expertise with the NMB's significant historical collection. The grant will allow for the creation of an accessible collection of historic archival materials about the birth of broadcasting in time for broadcasting's centennial in 2019-2020.
Western Pennsylvania put itself on the map in 1920 when KDKA became the first federally licensed commercial radio station to broadcast. The NMB's core of dedicated volunteers has preserved the pioneering role that Pittsburgh played in the birth of the radio and television broadcasting industry.
"Out of Pittsburgh came voice radio, commercial and shortwave broadcasting, the first national and international networks, electronic television and public broadcasting," said NMB Board Member Rick Harris, who is coordinating this project with Duquesne. "NMB's ultimate goal is the establishment of a major broadcasting and technology museum in Pittsburgh."
The collection includes hours of radio broadcasts, papers chronicling the early years of radio, artifacts, archival materials and the dismantled garage of radio pioneer Frank Conrad, where the first radio broadcasts took place. Duquesne University Archivist Thomas White will oversee an initiative to work with the NMB to preserve the collection, creating a draw for scholars and the general public seeking to learn more about the history and beginnings of broadcasting.
Veteran broadcaster Bill Hillgrove, who serves as NMB President said, "We believe the National Museum of Broadcasting in Pittsburgh -- if properly planned, funded and promoted -- can become a major educational and tourist destination for our region," said Hillgrove, a Duquesne University graduate. "This collaborative grant with Duquesne will help to ensure that our collection is properly conserved as we work to raise awareness and the funding necessary to make (a permanent) museum a reality."
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