Story by Emily Huntington; photos by Matt Benoit, Emily Huntington, and Lauren Owens
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF RADIO AND ELECTRICITY: WHERE DISCOVERY SPARKS IMAGINATION
Many years ago, two men had a dream. Jonathan Winter, who has spent 40 years collecting radios, and John Jenkins, who has spent 53 years collecting radios, wanted to open a shop.
“We wanted to build something for the community,” Jenkins said.
Jenkins, who is the president of downtown Bellingham’s American Museum of Radio and Electricity, wants people to realize the importance of history and invention. The museum features everything from a Hertz Resonator from 1890 to artifacts of Marconi’s wireless telegraph.
There is a static electricity “play room” where one can make their hair stick straight up, and even create sparks.
The museum also has its own continiously operating commercial free radio station, KMRE-LP 102.3 FM. Admission to the muesum is $5.
Hours of operation:
Wednesday through Saturday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday
MINDPORT EXHIBITS
Their Web site describes Mindport as: 1) a museum of phenomena; 2) a provocative blend of art and interactive exhibits; 3) a place to spark your awareness and stimulate your thinking; 4) a place to play and to observe. That’s exactly what one would find at this museum.
Their slogan is ‘A Different Kind of Museum.’
Located in the heart of downtown Bellingham, the all-ages Mindport Museum features exhibits for all ages and is sure to have something for everyone.
For just $2, one can view an ecosystem, see quilts by local quilt artists, play guitar, or just hang out and people-watch. Mindport is completely wheelchair accessible, and the exhibits change roughly every six months to a year, depending on what they are.
Hours of operation:
Wednesday-Friday: noon to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: noon to 4 p.m.
Closed Monday, Tuesday, and major holidays
