New Hampshire is a big part of TDS’ roots. The company’s history in the Granite State goes back to 1970 when it acquired Kearsarge Telephone Company. The purchase came as TDS was first embarking on its mission to bring investment, advanced technology, and exceptional customer service to small and mid-size communities.
So when the New Hampshire Telephone Museum – located in the TDS community of Warner – inquired about sponsoring a new interactive space, it was a natural fit.
The museum’s new Sound Wave Lab allows visitors to dig deeper into the science behind one of the world’s greatest inventions, the telephone. The space includes hands-on stations on how sound waves compare to light waves, electrical circuits, the human ear, and hearing loss.
Guests can also play an instrument called a Tubulum, turn light into sound, create color shadows, and more.
Museum officials say the exhibit, which opened May 21, has been a big success.
“We know visitors enjoy ‘playing’ with things and we continue to add more hands-on activities. Doing so really makes a difference, and guests stay much longer. Perhaps more importantly, younger people visiting actually learn about the telephone through these displays in a more relatable way,” said Graham Gifford, the museum’s director of programming.
Gifford added: “I hope TDS can feel proud of what you have done and what we’ve accomplished thus far. It really makes a dramatic difference in the guests’ experience and degree of learning.”
Giving back is a core part of TDS’ mission. From hands-on volunteering to in-kind and direct financial support, TDS takes a vested interest in communities’ growth and success.
“Our sponsorship of the museum speaks to our commitment to be focused on supporting the communities we serve. Being a sponsor of the exhibit ensures residents and people from surrounding communities can learn the rich history of telecommunications and the science behind it all,” said Ryan Grantham, TDS coordinator of Field Marketing.
The Sound Wave Lab is gaining attention. It was the subject of a front-page story in the Concord Monitor as well as WMUR, and recently 130 people from the Red Knights International Motorcycle Club paid the exhibit a visit.
Those in the area can visit the museum at 1 Depot St. in Warner.
