Press Release
01 | 08 | 18
Do It Yourself World Wide Web
Summer Workshops for Ages 7+
Did you know that the internet started way back in 1870, right here in Cornwall in the village of Porthcurno? Join us this summer for our FREE, family focused D.I.Y.W.W.W. workshops and discover how Victorian telegraphy pioneer John Pender created the first ever international telecommunications network.
Suitable for visitors aged 7+, workshops involve hands-on activities which demonstrate how Pender brought together technologies including shipbuilding, timekeeping, electricity and magnetism to build the first ever worldwide web for communications.
Keep time with pendulums, test electro-magnets, build paper boats, create your own electricity using fizzy drinks and salty water, and see what happens when a magnet falls down a tube. Hey presto: a Do It Yourself World Wide Web!
Cost: Free
Time: 11am-3pm
Simply drop-in on the following dates:
Sunday 5th August
Monday 6th August
Monday 20th August
Sunday 26th August
Monday 27th August
Workshop places are available on first come first served basis. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Telegraph Museum Porthcurno, Eastern House, Porthcurno, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 6JX
01736 810966 |info@telegraphmuseum.org| www.telegraphmuseum.org
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for further press information contact julia.twomlow@telegraphmuseum.org | 01736 810966
Print Ready 300dpi images for press use:
Do It Yourself World Wide Web image
Editors Notes
Telegraph Museum Porthcurno
The tiny Cornish village of Porthcurno was once the heart of international telecommunications, boasting the largest telegraph station in the world. Today, the Telegraph Museum Porthcurno is a vibrant and captivating heritage attraction. Discover our World War II tunnels, which were the secret hub of Britain's wartime communications; visit the Cable Hut where the UK's network of underwater telecommunication cables came ashore; explore exhibitions and interactive displays telling the amazing story of global telecommunications. from the first practical use of electricity to how we communicate today using fibre optic cables that still run beneath the world's seas and oceans.
A Unique History
The Telegraph Museum is unique amongst Cornwall's heritage attractions and illustrates the crucial role Porthcurno and its residents played in the development of modern communications. In particular it tells the story of the people who came to train at the telegraph station, the friendships and romances they formed, the extraordinary lives they led as Cable & Wireless employees in far flung locations across the British Empire, and the vital role they played in defining the Allies' strategy during World War II.
For Families
Designed for all ages, this family-friendly interactive museum showcases the science, the people, and the amazing stories that made developments in global communications possible, and demonstrates how advances in digital communications are changing the world forever. Immerse your family in Porthcurno's lasting legacy and spend the day exploring science, technology, history and the world around us. With secret tunnels, trails, codes to crack, interactive technology, hands-on experiments and creative seasonal events, families can take advantage a wealth of inspiring activities throughout the year, as well as enjoying our onsite café, and browsing our museum shop.
For Schools
Our varied programme of school workshops combines engaging hands-on activities with time to explore the Museum. Our experienced learning team will work with you to plan your visit, tailoring workshops to meet your groups' needs or specific learning outcomes. Activities are hosted at our onsite Clore Learning Space - an accessible and flexible space designed for both formal and informal learning.
For Students and Researchers
Available by arrangement to school students, undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers, the Telegraph Museum Porthcurno houses the business archive of Cable & Wireless, an enviable collection that includes thousands of unique records from Porthcurno's lasting communication legacy, including an estimated 10,000 photographs from the 1850's to the present day. Following the closure of the original telegraph station and training school, many historically significant objects were kept and now form the basis of the Museum's unique collection, which has designated status in recognition of its national and international significance.
Additional Information
Telegraph Museum Porthcurno is owned by the PK Trust which is a registered educational charity no. 1062233.
Telegraph Museum Porthcurno, Eastern House, Porthcurno, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 6JX | 01736 810966
info@telegraphmuseum.org| www.telegraphmuseum.org