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, Delaware, celebrates Eldridge Reeves Johnson, the founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company. Explore the evolution of sound recording through exhibits of phonographs, recordings, and memorabilia in a building that once housed a Chevrolet dealership.

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, as admission is free.
Check the museum's calendar for special events or presentations for deeper insights into phonograph history.
Take your time to enjoy the audio experiences that bring the history of music to life.

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Getting There

Walking

If you're in downtown Dover, the Johnson Victrola Museum is an easy walk. From the Old State House, head south on State Street, turn right onto W Water Street, and then left onto S New Street. The museum is at 375 S New St, about a 15-20 minute walk.
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, turn right onto W Water Street, which becomes S New Street. The museum will be on your left. Check the DART website for schedules and fares. A single fare is approximately $2.
Car

From Route 1, take exit 104 for US-13 N toward Dover. Continue on US-13 N, merge onto DE-1 N, and take the exit toward DE-8 W. Merge onto DE-8 W until you reach S New St, then turn left. The museum is at 375 S New St. Free parking is available in the adjacent lot.

Discover more about Johnson Victrola Museum

Step back in time at the Johnson Victrola Museum, a tribute to Eldridge Reeves Johnson, a Delaware native and pioneer in the sound-recording industry. Johnson founded the Victor Talking Machine Company in 1901, revolutionizing how people experienced music and entertainment. The museum showcases the history of the Victor Talking Machine Company with a collection of phonographs, recordings, memorabilia, and artifacts. Visitors can explore the evolution of sound technology and Johnson's contributions, which included improving the gramophone motor. See the iconic image of Nipper, the mixed fox/bull terrier, listening to a phonograph, which became the company's international symbol. The museum is housed in a historic red brick building at 375 S New St, Dover, DE 19901. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated. Knowledgeable staff offer insights into the exhibits, enhancing the visitor experience.