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The IEEE Global Museum Unveils Inaugural Exhibit on the Life and Work of Inventor E. Howard Armstrong
“Unseen Signals” explores Armstrong’s contributions to modern radio and electronic circuitry
Now through 30 April 2025, at the National Museum of Industrial History (NMIH) in Bethlehem, PA, USA, the IEEE Global Museum is excited to present Unseen Signals, a traveling exhibit recognizing the work of Edwin Howard Armstrong, an electrical engineer, inventor, and IEEE Medal of Honor recipient who developed FM radio and the superheterodyne receiver system during the WWI and WWII eras.
The Unseen Signals exhibit celebrates the life and “unsung genius” of New York City native Armstrong by highlighting his technological innovations, patriotism, and the continuing relevance of his achievements to our wireless world. From its historical overview of the emerging radio era of the early 20th century to displays of Armstrong’s remarkable intellectual and professional journey, the exhibit offers a fascinating look at the rise of the radio broadcasting industry and the foundations of wireless communications, a dynamic field that Armstrong helped create.
The IEEE Global Museum, presented by the IEEE History Center, brings museum-quality traveling exhibits to IEEE members and the public to help promote an understanding of electrotechnology and its impact on society. On 1 November 2024, the IEEE History Center and the IEEE Foundation hosted a celebration with NMIH to mark the launch of the Global Museum and the unveiling of Unseen Signals, its first exhibit.
“The launch of the IEEE Global Museum’s first major exhibit brings a new dimension to IEEE’s efforts to raise public understanding of our electrotechnical world,” shared Daniel Jon Mitchell, DPhil., Senior Historian at the IEEE History Center and staff program lead for the Global Museum
“The influence of Armstrong’s genius and accomplishments are immeasurable and have impacted much of our modern lives,” agreed Andria Zaia, President & CEO of NMIH. “It is a great privilege to partner with the IEEE Global Museum to bring this incredible story to the public and we look forward to our ongoing collaboration.”
“Congratulations to the IEEE Global Museum and the National Museum of Industrial History on the successful launch of Unseen Signals,” added Karen Galuchie, Executive Director of the IEEE Foundation. “It’s vital that we support programs that acknowledge and celebrate the historical achievements of innovators like E. Howard Armstrong and we’re grateful to all the donors who helped to make this inspiring traveling exhibit a reality.”
Opened in 2016, the National Museum of Industrial History is dedicated to exploring America’s rich industrial heritage and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.
For the entirety of the Unseen Signals exhibit, which runs through 30 April 2025, IEEE members and their guests will receive a 50% discount on the price of entry to the National Museum of Industrial History.
Based in IEEE’s Operations Center in Piscataway, NJ, US, the IEEE History Center is dedicated to preserving, researching, and promoting the history of information and electrical technologies. The future of the IEEE Global Museum and its projects depends on philanthropic support. Inspired to help IEEE promote the history of technology? Contact Danny DeLiberato, CFRE at d.deliberato@ieee.org or call +1 732 562 5446 or make a gift online.
*Photo pictured left to right: Alexander Magoun, IEEE Outreach Historian and Unseen Signals curator; David Michelson, IEEE History Committee Chair; Daniel Jon Mitchell, IEEE Senior Historian and Unseen Signals co-curator; Karen Galuchie, IEEE Foundation Executive Director; Michael Molnar, Radio Enthusiast and Donor.
