Last updated: April 18, 2024
Place
The Historic KPH Maritime Radio Receiving Station at Point Reyes National Seashore
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
Point Reyes National Seashore's Historic KPH Maritime Radio Receiving Station is located at 17400 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Inverness, California. Geographic Coordinates: 38.0958, -122.9474
Amenities
1 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
Guglielmo Marconi sited and commissioned the building of a wireless telegraphy transmitting station west of Bolinas and a receiving station in Marshall on Tomales Bay in 1913–14. The Marshall station was supplanted in 1929 to support the growing point-to-point business in the Pacific by a new Art Deco-designed facility at Point Reyes Beach on the "G" Ranch. Few of the succeeding generations of antennas—arranged in "farms"—remain at the two sites. However, the radio equipment, ship-to-shore Morse communications, and teletype—some of it dating to the World War II-era—remains intact, has been restored and made functional, and is used to broadcast on numerous frequencies, including KPH. Visit Point Reyes National Seashore's Communications at Point Reyes page to learn more about this history.
The KPH Maritime Radio Receiving Station is located at what is now Point Reyes National Seashore's North District Operations Center.
Directions
Directions from Bear Valley to the Historic RCA Coast Receiving Station KPH
Restrooms
The nearest restroom facilities are located at the Estero Trailhead and at North Beach.
Tour the Historic KPH Receiving Station
Most Saturdays throughout the year, Maritime Radio Historical Society (MRHS) members welcome visitors and provide guided tours of the Historic KPH Receiving Station from noon to 4 pm. Visitors can experience Morse code being sent and received, and even send a radiogram to someone. However space at the station and staff time are limited so individuals and groups who want to assure admission should make a reservation by email.
Night of Nights
Night of Nights is an annual event held on the 12th of July by the Maritime Radio Historical Society to commemorate the history of maritime radio and the closing of commercial Morse operations in the USA. Visit our Night of Nights page or the Maritime Radio Historical Society site for more details about this event.