WOW! That was my response in seeing radio history in those old creations! Mr. Stuart Smolkin, Museum Curator and our guide, made those ole long dead “bones” of wires, tubes, horns and mysterious little things called resistors, capacitors, and inductors come alive and speak again! Stuart, was our Moses who guided us old radio guys through the “red” sea all over again! It was an experience that brought back many years of nostalgia to this old man that began his journey into the science of radio as a boy some eighty years ago. When I was about six or seven years old, my dad saw me playing with some old radio parts, said, “Boy, if you learn to fix those things, you could make some money”! I built a crystal set, ties it to the chicken fence and listened to amazing sounds that still stir me with wonder after all these years! It is written somewhere, “Do not despise the day of small beginnings!” That experience began my journey into the world of electronics as a career. I want to extend my “Thanks” to my fellow Hams in the Franklin Ham Club for setting up this very interesting trip into the past. And a special thanks to Chip K2KJD and David, ND1J for the ride over and for sharing info long lost to me during my “years in the wilderness” due to many years of being “off the air”! It’s good to be back in the Ham world! A very special “Thank You” to Stuart for sharing his passion for the history of Radio with the group. For anyone that has the least interest in the wonder of Radio and its history should make a special effort to visit the Asheville NC Radio Museum! It will be an unforgettable experience. Who knows, you may kick-start some kid into the wonder of science and technology, for it is also written “If man can think it, he can do it!” 73’s Jim KB4LPH

Visiting from Charlotte suggested by a friend we came over the museum. Ronald greeted us with great energy and enthusiasm introducing us to the wonders of the museum and all the perks they have there. from top to bottom and to left to right we learned about history, anecdotes and facts about radio and all the equipment displayed on the shelves. Great host and history in that small space that deserve to be bigger. Totally worth the time and big recommendation for anyone interested in radio history. Be aware Saturdays only they open from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. You must visit! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a wonderful little museum on the AB Tech campus that is well worth a visit. Our friendly host Peter shared some fascinating stories and demonstrations that really brought the history of radio to life. My sons particularly enjoyed tapping out messages in Morse code!

This museum, though quaint, is incredible and certainly not lacking. The size of the museum may deter you, but this one-of-a-kind experience and extensive amounts of history and knowledge will certainly keep you entertained and intrigued. Ron made me feel very comfortable and clearly has a passion and more knowledge about Radio than one can ever imagine. Overhearing him and a guest chatting about the history and interesting information about each specific radio, especially transoceanic, was an experience that even Google couldn’t share. Thank you for having this open and I am grateful to have made a stop here on my trip!

My family visited the museum on a Saturday and were surprised at the variety and depth of the collection It was a fascinating and easy visit with great information provided by the volunteer.. Highly recommended especially for younger visitors who have no idea where all the tech started and developed until today . We also found a 'home' for two vintage radios from our attic.

My husband and I have always enjoyed our visits to the Asheville Radio Museum.The all-volunteer staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and the radios and associated equipment have been accurately and lovingly restored. There are some absolute gems in their collection. Take the time to visit the Museum (open Saturday afternoons from 1pm until 3pm) for a nostalgic and informative trip down Memory Lane!

What an amazing experience!! I had no idea how much early radio was involved with Asheville, nor how radio got to be! Stuart gave us a wonderful tour full of so many fascinating facts! The collection has some great historic pieces that are a treat to see. Definitely worth a visit.

My wife, daughter and I visited the museum this past Father's Day weekend. We had a great time taking a walk into the past when radio ruled the airwaves. The museum has some wonderfully restored radios and ham equipment. Definitely worth the visit.

What a delight! Whether you're into amateur radio or just fascinated with the history and evolution of communication, visiting the Asheville Radio Museum is a sound decision. The volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable and they are happy to share their stories about getting many of the donations that the museum receives in working order. This allows visitors to have an interactive experience with some truly amazing technology, complete with informative descriptions for everything on display. From vacuum tubes to Morse Code machines (and even a couple unique antique telephones) I only regret not coming in sooner. I will definitely be back!

We had a delightful visit to the Asheville Radio Museum with Peter as our guide. It was a mini-history lesson and had interactive exhibits. Be sure to stroll the 3rd floor hallways to see more on display that the room can't contain. We enjoyed seeing the original Walton's radio and early portable transistor ones. Saturdays 1-3 and check the web site for special events.

Great collection of broadcast radios from the 1920s to the present as well as amateur equipment from the first radios till now. Well curated and very educational.

My brother, my husband, and myself enjoyed our visit at the Asheville Radio Museum as Tim McVey was very insightful and delightful as he educated us on the many inquisitive questions we had for him. I highly recommend this tour for anyone who, like us, are a little nostalgic for the "good 'ole days". Blessings!

Our organization recently took a tour of the Asheville Radio Museum , and it greatly exceeded our expectations. This mini-museum on the third floor of the Elm Building at AB Tech is a little-known gem among Asheville attractions. The museum has one of the largest collection of old radios in the Southeast. Stuart Smolkin, the museum's curator, gave our group the tour. He had some fascinating stories of the history of radio and demonstrated several old radios and other devices, including a century-old Edison phonograph. Whether you collect antique radios or have an interest in ham radio, CB radio or just want to learn a bit about the science and history of radio and telegraph, you'll enjoy a tour of this little museum. Admission is free (though donations are appreciated), and parking nearby is also free and easy. The museum currently is open only on Saturdays from 1 to 3 pm.

Loved our visit to the museum. Knowledgeable and charming staff. Such cool pieces. If you are a radio, ham nerd, it is a must see.

This museum is small but packed full of radio magic. We were fortunate to have Stuart as our host and guide. He shared amazing facts about the radios, some of which he had restored to nearly new condition. He demonstrated a 100+ year old phonograph that had amazing sound, and other items. If you like radios, this is a must see.

Visit to the museum is a walk back in time. It was a such a good place for me that I became a member of the museum and a volunteer. I'm sure you will enjoy your time at the museum. Update 3/18/2021. This is to correct my one star review. I accidentally hit the wrong button. The Asheville Radio Museum is 5 stars. Also thanks to Andrew who noticing my mistake.

Great collection. Tim was really friendly and informative. 73!

This is quite a museum for anyone interested in a hands-on presentation of radio history, both broadcast and amateur. The breadth of equipment is impressive and in excellent condition. Even if you're not a real radio equipment fan, you'll find it fascinating. Worth the visit!

Posted on behalf of Howard Z. at his request by Stuart Smolkin (curator): I watched the video of Carl's 1924 superhet again and it's just fantastic. I still marvel at how you were able to give that broken box of parts a new life. The museum restoration was painstakingly true to the original build; it's a beautiful piece of electronic history. Please tell everyone at the museum we say thanks for that and keep up the great work! Posted on behalf of Jim D. at his request by Stuart Smolkin (curator): My first visit to the museum and WOW, what a great place! Stuart was the best. No velvet ropes here, get right in and listen to the equipment! What a great collection and I understand that it was only what could be shown in the space available... need more space! The 1920's KDKA equipment was especially interesting to me, being originally from the Pittsburgh area, I grew up listening to the Pirates on KDKA (and my parents, and my grandparents...). The topper though was the Edison cylinder phonograph, what clarity in playback, amazing.

A great collection of radios! The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Viewing the radios brought back many wonderful memories. We have told our amateur radio friends in SE Georgia to visit the museum when in the Asheville area. They won't be disappointed. We have revisited several times and always enjoy seeing the equipment and talking with the staff and other visitors.