An Unmistakable Sound: Marconi's Transatlantic Success draws 
1,000 visitors to the Provincial Archives of Newfoundland since July 12 exhibit opening

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today announced that since its opening on July 12, at the Colonial Building in St. John's, the exhibit An Unmistakable Sound: Marconi's Transatlantic Success has drawn 1,000 visitors in only two weeks.

"I am delighted at the public's response to this exceptional exhibit of authentic equipment, documents and photographs from Marconi's December 12, 1901 achievement," said Minister Aylward. " When Marconi arrived in St. John's in 1901, he brought with him seven crates which contained two balloons, 25 tanks of hydrogen gas, six kites, aerial wire, receiving apparatus and more. For the first time in 100 years, all his receiving apparatus, equipment and his documents have been returned to Newfoundland for the exhibit An Unmistakable Sound: Marconi's Transatlantic Success at the Colonial Building in St. John's. We are expecting an ongoing, public response to the exhibit until it closes on October 31.

"As well when schools re-open in September teachers will have the opportunity to bring their students to view this historic exhibit which is an important component of their heritage and the world's."

Under the banner of the 2001 Receiving the World Celebrations, the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, has assisted 10 historic sites and community museums throughout Newfoundland and Labrador in enhancing the way the province's communications stories are told.

Minister Aylward concluded: "I invite everyone in the province to take a tour into our past, and discover for yourself how Newfoundland and Labrador became the site of that world famous event 100 years ago when the first transatlantic wireless message was received hear through the story told in this exceptional exhibit and in others around the province. "

Media contact: 
Catherina Kennedy, Communications, Tourism, Culture and Recreation, (709) 729-0928
Mary MacNab, Communications, Special Celebrations Corporation, (709) 729-3813

For student tours contact: Patti Bannister, Provincial Archives of Newfoundland, (709) 729-0676

2001 08 02                                                          3:35 p.m.