Johnson Victrola Museum: A Tribute to Sound Recording History

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Discover the legacy of Eldridge Reeves Johnson and the Victor Talking Machine Company at this Dover museum dedicated to sound recording history.

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Johnson Victrola Museum

The Johnson Victrola Museum in Dover, DE, celebrates Eldridge Reeves Johnson, founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company. Explore the history of sound recording through exhibits of phonographs, recordings, and memorabilia in a building adjacent to the State House.

A brief summary to Johnson Victrola Museum

375 S New St, Dover, Delaware, 19901, US
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Wednesday 9:30 am-4 pm
Thursday 9:30 am-4 pm
Friday 9:30 am-4 pm
Saturday 9:30 am-4 pm

Local tips

Visit during the week for a more personalized experience with the staff.
Consider making a donation to support the museum's operations.
Check the museum's calendar for special events and presentations.
Take your time to enjoy the audio experiences that bring the history of music to life.

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Getting There

Walking

From downtown Dover, the Johnson Victrola Museum is a pleasant 15-20 minute walk. Start at the Dover Public Library or the Delaware State Capitol and head south on State Street. Turn right onto W Water Street and continue until it becomes S New Street. The museum is at 375 S New St.
Public Transport

Take the DART First State bus service to the Dover Transit Center. From there, it's about a 15-minute walk to the museum. Head south on S State Street, then turn right onto W Water Street, which becomes S New Street. The museum is at 375 S New St. Bus fares typically cost around $2.
Car

From Route 113, follow signs for Dover. Once in Dover, navigate to South New Street. The Johnson Victrola Museum is located at 375 S New St, Dover, DE 19901. Free parking is available in the adjacent parking lot.

Discover more about Johnson Victrola Museum

The Johnson Victrola Museum pays homage to Eldridge Reeves Johnson, a Delaware native and pioneer in the sound-recording industry. Founded in 1901, the Victor Talking Machine Company revolutionized how people listened to music. The museum chronicles Johnson's contributions and the evolution of sound technology. Exhibits feature a fascinating collection of phonographs, recordings, memorabilia, and artifacts that highlight Johnson's business ventures and the development of the sound-recording industry. Visitors can explore the innovations that led to the mass production of Victrolas and their impact on popular culture. See the iconic image of Nipper, the dog, listening to a phonograph, which became the international symbol for the Victor Talking Machine Company. The museum also showcases Johnson's Grammy Award, presented posthumously in 1985. The museum provides insights into how sound recording has transformed communication, entertainment, and the preservation of cultural heritage.