THE RADIO MUSEUM

When it comes to Applewood Manor’s connection to amateur radio enthusiasts, it is worth noting that its official author is a licensed Amateur Radio Operator, KJ4ZVO—known on the air as Kilo, Juliet, Four, Zulu, Victor, Oscar. Amateur radio, or "Ham" radio, is a globally loved hobby, with three million operators worldwide, 700,000 of them in the United States. Hams are passionate about traveling and connecting through their shared interest. The mountains around Asheville offer an ideal setting for transmitting radio signals to distant locations, making Applewood Manor an excellent base for visiting radio enthusiasts.

Amateur radio operators are deeply interested in the history and technology of their craft, often gathering to discuss antenna design, equipment, and their adventures, including their roles in emergency communications. Asheville is a natural destination for these enthusiasts, offering a thriving radio community. The Blue Ridge Amateur Radio Club, one of the area’s most active groups, welcomes anyone interested in Ham communications. The club holds monthly meetings (except in December) on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in Jackson Park, Hendersonville, about a 30-minute drive from Applewood Manor. Meetings take place at 801 Glover St., a large brick house above the tennis courts, and cover a wide range of topics, from A-Amperes to Z-Impedance.

A highlight for visiting radio enthusiasts is the Radio Museum, located just three miles from Applewood Manor on the campus of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. Found in Room 315 of the Elm Building on Victoria Road, the museum displays over 100 vintage amateur and commercial radios. Exhibits narrate the history of early experiments in radio technology and its eventual commercialization, often called the "internet of its time." Visitors can explore beautifully crafted wooden cabinets, listen to old radio dramas, and even send their names in Morse code. A live demonstration of a spark transmitter, one of the earliest wireless communication devices, enhances the museum experience.

Radio technology has had a profound influence on modern devices such as cellphones, GPS systems, Bluetooth, and wireless internet routers, all of which depend on electromagnetic waves. Even car key fobs utilize this technology. The Radio Museum highlights this evolution with engaging exhibits and demonstrations. Its website, https://www.avlradiomuseum.org, invites visitors, whether licensed radio operators or not, to discover the magic of radio wave wizardry and appreciate its lasting impact on modern life.