Johnson Victrola Museum, The Coastal Plain Travel Guide

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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, showcasing Johnson's impact on the music industry.

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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Johnson Victrola Museum.

Admission is free, but donations are appreciated to support the museum's operation.
The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Free parking is available in the adjacent parking lot.
Allow at least an hour to fully explore the museum's exhibits.

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Getting There

Walking

From downtown Dover, the Johnson Victrola Museum is an easy walk. Head south on State Street, then turn left onto W Water Street. Continue until it becomes S New Street, where you'll turn left. The museum is located at 375 S New St, approximately a 15-20 minute walk from the downtown area. This stroll offers a view of the local shops and restaurants.
Public Transport

Take the DART First State bus service to the Dover Transit Center. From there, walk south on S State Street, then turn right onto W Water Street. Follow the street until it becomes S New Street. The museum will be on your left at 375 S New St. Ensure you check the DART website for the latest schedule and bus fares. A single ride fare is typically around $2.
Car

If driving, navigate to South New Street in Dover. The museum is located at 375 S New St, Dover, DE 19901. Free parking is available in the adjacent parking lot. From Route 113, follow signs for Dover and then navigate to South New Street.

Discover more about Johnson Victrola Museum

Step back in time at the Johnson Victrola Museum, a tribute to Eldridge Reeves Johnson, a Delaware native who revolutionized the sound-recording industry. Founded in 1901, the Victor Talking Machine Company became a world leader, and this museum chronicles Johnson's journey and innovations.The museum features a fascinating collection of phonographs, recordings, memorabilia, and artifacts from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. See how Johnson transformed early sound technology into a popular form of home entertainment. Exhibits include examples of early Victor machines, showcasing the evolution of sound technology. Visitors can view the painting of Nipper, the dog, listening to a gramophone, which became the Victor company's famous trademark.Johnson's innovations weren't limited to the hardware; he also established his own recording studio, signing popular artists like Enrico Caruso. The museum also displays a replica of a 1920s record shop, offering a glimpse into the retail experience of the era. In 1929, the Victor Talking Machine Company was sold to RCA and renamed RCA Victor. Johnson posthumously received a Grammy Award in 1985, which is proudly displayed at the museum.