Welcome to the Goldfield Radio Museum
Nestled in the heart of Goldfield, Nevada — one of the American West's most storied boomtowns — the Goldfield Radio Museum preserves the history of wireless communication and brings it to life for visitors of all ages. From crystal sets to modern transceivers, our collection spans over a century of human ingenuity.
Whether you're a seasoned ham radio operator, a history enthusiast, or a curious student, you'll find wonder here. We believe the story of radio is the story of how human beings learned to speak to one another across impossible distances — and that is a story worth telling.
Featured From the Collection
1920s Cathedral Radio
A beautifully restored wooden cathedral-style tabletop receiver, one of the iconic symbols of the golden age of broadcast radio.
Spark Gap Transmitter
An early 20th century spark gap transmitter — the technology that made the first wireless telegraphs possible, and changed the world forever.
WWII Military Field Radio
A field-portable military transceiver from World War II, used to coordinate troops across vast and hostile terrain.
Amateur Radio Station
A fully operational amateur (ham) radio station. Visitors can learn how licensed operators still communicate across the globe today.
Exhibit Highlights
The Dawn of Wireless
Trace the origins of radio from Hertz's discovery of electromagnetic waves through Marconi's first transatlantic transmission. Our hands-on displays let you experience the principles yourself, making the science tangible and unforgettable.
The Golden Age of Broadcast
The 1920s–1950s saw radio become the centerpiece of American family life. Explore an immersive recreation of a period living room, surrounding a glowing cathedral radio, and hear the programs that shaped a generation.
Radio Goes to War
From the trenches of WWI to the Pacific theater of WWII, radio technology evolved rapidly under the pressure of conflict. See the equipment that kept armies in contact — and sometimes won the battle before a shot was fired.