Chatham Marconi Maritme Center / Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum

Chatham Marconi Maritme Center / Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum

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Community OrganizationsMuseumsNon-Profit Organizations

About Us

Founded in 2002, the Chatham Marconi Maritime Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation which celebrates the rich history of 20th century maritime radio and the innovative advances in science and technology that continue to transform our lives. The Center sits on the 11.3-acre site of the former Marconi-RCA Wireless Receiving Station built for Guglielmo Marconi in 1914, and which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Marconi’s Wireless Receiving Station was initially part of his visionary global point-to-point radio network planned to link America with Europe and Japan. Bought by RCA following the First World War, Chatham Radio WCC instead rose to preeminence as ''The World's Greatest Coastal Station'' serving mariners around the globe until late in the last century, and played a crucial role for the US Navy during World War II.
The 10 original, distinctive buildings and the adjacent antenna field comprise the campus and have been preserved by the Town of Chatham. Today, the former Operations and Residence Hotel buildings serve respectively as the Center's Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum and it's Education Center. Chatham Marconi Maritime Center’s mission is executed through operation of the museum and the advancement of youth STEM education, principally in communications science. In addition to the museum’s exhibits and interpretive programs, the Center offers forward-thinking STEM education in area schools through its unique Chatham Marconi TechSmart program and fun on-site Summer STEM classes.

Images

A drone's eye view of Chatham Marconi Maritime Center (Chris Seufert)
The Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum, Operating Building ca. 1914
A new exhibt for 2023 features sorites of the great ocean liners.
Chatham Radio WCC and the story of long-range maritime radio.
The Education Center, formerly the employees' Residence Building ca. 1914
A typical Summer STEM Robotics class - one of many.
Princess Elettra Marconi shops at our museum store!

Events

Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Tuesday Jul 1, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Wednesday Jul 2, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Thursday Jul 3, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Friday Jul 4, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Saturday Jul 5, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Sunday Jul 6, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Tuesday Jul 8, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Wednesday Jul 9, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Thursday Jul 10, 2025
Speaker Series: The Role of Emergency Communications in the Coast Guard
Speaker Series: The Role of Emergency Communications in the Coast Guard
  • Chatham Marconi Welcomes Capt. H.F. Baley, U.S.C.G. (retired), speaking on the history and origins of the U.S. Coast Guard.
  • Thursday Jul 10, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Friday Jul 11, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Saturday Jul 12, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Sunday Jul 13, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Tuesday Jul 15, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Wednesday Jul 16, 2025
Music on the Veranda - "The Bourbon Sunset Trio”
Music on the Veranda - "The Bourbon Sunset Trio”
  • Tightly arranged 3-part harmonies with acoustic accompaniment, performing songs from familiar bluegrass and folk repertoires, to classic soft rock, and gospel.
  • Wednesday Jul 16, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Thursday Jul 17, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Friday Jul 18, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Saturday Jul 19, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Sunday Jul 20, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Wednesday Jul 23, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Thursday Jul 24, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Friday Jul 25, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Saturday Jul 26, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Sunday Jul 27, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Tuesday Jul 29, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Wednesday Jul 30, 2025
Music on the Veranda - "Old Exit 11”, American Music
Music on the Veranda - "Old Exit 11”, American Music
  • ''Old Exit 11'' Join us for a great time of lively music featuring the unique sounds of guitar, harmonica, banjo, and bass.
  • Wednesday Jul 30, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Friday Aug 1, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Saturday Aug 2, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Sunday Aug 3, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Tuesday Aug 5, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Wednesday Aug 6, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Thursday Aug 7, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Friday Aug 8, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Saturday Aug 9, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Sunday Aug 10, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
Music on the Veranda - Jefferey Clayton's PanNubean Steel Drum Solo
Music on the Veranda - Jefferey Clayton's PanNubean Steel Drum Solo
  • Come sway to the rhythms of Steelpan artist Jefferey Clayton of PanNeubean Steel performing on the veranda of Marconi's “Hotel Nautilus”.
  • Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Thursday Aug 14, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Friday Aug 15, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Saturday Aug 16, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Sunday Aug 17, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Tuesday Aug 19, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Wednesday Aug 20, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Thursday Aug 21, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Friday Aug 22, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Saturday Aug 23, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Sunday Aug 24, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
Music on the Veranda - Matt Hamilton, Guitar & Vocals
Music on the Veranda - Matt Hamilton, Guitar & Vocals
  • Matt Hamilton is a Cape Cod singer-songwriter and folk-rock musician, covering a variety of songs ranging from classic to contemporary as well as his own music.
  • Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Thursday Aug 28, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Friday Aug 29, 2025
Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum Open
  • Discover the history of wireless telegraphy and ship-to shore radio at the site of ''The Largest U.S. Coast Station in the Marine Service''!
  • Saturday Aug 30, 2025