Sponsored by the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention

About the sponsor: The SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention in Bellingham is home to a world-class historical collection and a unique interactive visitor experience. Their mission is to inspire awe and wonder through exploring the history of electricity and invention.

Every year, thousands of curious visitors from across the globe flock to the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention looking for sparks, fun, and unexpected surprises. What awaits them is far more than you might imagine.

Located in the heart of downtown Bellingham’s cultural district, the SPARK Museum has evolved from a collaboration between two lifelong collectors into the largest collection of early electrical devices on display in the world. Consistently ranked as the top indoor visitor attraction in Whatcom County, this 25,000-square-foot facility is a public treasure dedicated to the wonders of science, history, and the excitement of discovery.

Explore the SPARK Museum Collection

Red means rare! Color-coded visitor guides lead guests through a spectacular array of electrical devices. Experience the history of electrical invention as you wander through six interactive galleries surrounded by hundreds of original artifacts, including:

  • Thomas Edison’s first incandescent lightbulb (1879), one of only two in the world!
  • Leon Theremin’s electronic musical instrument (1929), the only instrument you play without touching it.
  • Bell’s Transcontinental telephone (1915), used by Alexander Graham Bell in the first successful coast-to-coast telephone call.
  • Alessandro Volta’s first direct-current batteries (1800), considered the greatest electrical invention ever.
  • Joseph Henry’s electromagnet (1831) harnessing the power of electromagnetism!

Hands-On Experiences

Photo courtesy of SPARK Museum

Green means go! Visitors are encouraged to connect with the many buttons, switches, devices, and gadgets featured throughout the museum’s galleries. Some of the more popular interactives include:

  • Static Electricity Lab: Float, spin, spark! Explore friction and induction machines, balloon wall, Leyden jars, magnetism, human battery, and more.
  • Theremin: Spooky sounds! Interact with the first and only electronic musical instrument you play without touching it.
  • Dial-a-Telephone: Experience old-school operator assistance.
  • Plasma Globes: Draw lightning to your fingertips.
  • Egg of Columbus: See Tesla’s simple and elegant device, demonstrating the power of alternating current.

Daily Demonstrations

Blue means you! SPARK’s team of dedicated docents and educators are here to make sure you get the hair-raising experience you deserve. Daily demonstrations include:

  • Van de Graaff Generators: Touch 200,000 volts of static electricity and like it!
  • Early Phonographs: Enjoy music from Edison cylinder phonographs and other early music machines.
  • Tesla Coils: Witness electrical energy broadcast without wires.
  • Electro “Quack” Medical Devices: Discover the quirky side of electricity and health.

The MegaZapper Electrical Show

Photo courtesy of SPARK Museum

The MegaZapper Electrical Show is a signature event and remains a top family attraction, drawing thousands of visitors annually.

“It’s where Franklin meets Frankenstein,” says John Jenkins, Museum President & CEO.

This hour-long presentation features a wide variety of electrical devices, including the “Mighty” MegaZapper, a 10-foot-tall lightning machine—and—the spectacular Cage of Doom, a huge family-sized, steel-mesh cage designed by renowned sculptor Ric Allen.

Step right up! Brave adults regularly get inside the Cage, then get bombarded with 10-foot bolts of lightning while touching the inside of the Cage. Snap the selfie of a lifetime by capturing the electrifying moment with your phone or camera. MegaZapper Electrical Shows are held every Saturday and Sunday and on holidays and special occasions.

Groups & Special Events

The SPARK Museum’s Performance Center is ideal for enlightened gatherings of all sorts, including weddings, birthday parties, team-building sessions, or celebrations. The Center has everything needed to make your event special and memorable.

Worth a Trip from Anywhere

The SPARK Museum is always a great place to visit and provides an experience impossible to duplicate anywhere else. The museum is open throughout the year and offers a variety of special holiday presentations, lectures, and events.

Ready to plan your visit or event? Come experience the thrill of discovery at the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention! Visit www.sparkmuseum.org or call 360.738.3886 for the latest information about what exciting things are happening.

Featured image courtesy of SPARK Museum