This is the most comprehensive collection of Bell's artifacts,
written materials and personal momentos in the world. Three exhibit
halls tell the story of Bell's incredible life, and display the
equipment used for his inventions. From the rooftop garden, see Beinn
Bhreagh (pronounced ben vree-ah), Bell's beloved summer retreat and
workplace. 

The Site is an outstanding tribute to the genius and compassion of
Alexander Graham Bell, an entertaining and educational experience for
the whole family.

Location and Directions:

If you're driving from the Canso Causeway, follow Trans Canada highway
105 to Baddeck and take Exit 9. Driving time is one hour. From
Sydney, take Route 125 to TransCanada Highway 105. Take Exit 9 to
Baddeck. Driving time from Sydney is one hour.

The Site is located at the east end of the village of Baddeck on
Chebucto Street (Route 205). It's a short walk to the middle of town.

The complex is situated on 10 hectares (25 acres) of beautifully
landscaped grounds next to the Bras d'Or Lakes and across the bay from
Beinn Bhreagh.

Recommended Visiting Time:

Plan to spend a minimum of two hours to enjoy all the exhibits and
surrounding grounds.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit:

Guides are available throughout the Site's three exhibit halls and
Theatre I, off Experimenter's Hall. They know a great deal about Bell
and his family and want to help you enjoy your visit. Ask them all
your questions!

*Find out when the next 5-10 minute introductory talk will be given.
It's guaranteed to pique your curiosity.
*If you have more time, ask about the 10-20 minute talk on Bell's
life and work.
*Pick up our activity sheets for kids!
*Ask about special events, such as the Kite Program, the Experiments
Program and evening presentations.
*Visit the three main exhibits: Teacher and Inventor, Experimenter's
and Hydrofoil. If your time is limited, leave the large photographic
exhibit in the first hall (Bell the Man) for last.
*Relaxing visiting times are 10:30 am - 2:30 pm and 6 pm - 9 pm.
*Before you leave, visit the gift shop for momentos and fine
reproductions. From the rooftop garden, see the Beinn Bhreagh estate
to the east, still privately owned by Alexander Graham Bell's
descendants. 
*Relax and have a picnic lunch on the grounds. The picnic area has 12
tables and an ample supply of cold water. One site is specially
adapted for easy wheelchair access.

Bell the Man, Teacher and Inventor:

Photos, artifacts and replicas tell the story of Alexander Graham
Bell from his days as a young boy until his invention of the
telephone at age 29. Discover Bell's amazing and unceasing curiosity
and his dedication to improving the world around him for the
betterment of all people.

*Find out how Bell's knowledge of sound and work with deaf students
influenced his life and career.
*Experience the countless questions and experiments on the multiple
telegraph that led to Bell's invention of he telephone.
*View telephone replicas and artifacts from the first model to those
of the early 1900s.
*Watch a video about the beginnings of the telephone and the
transmission of sound.
*Listen to Thomas Watson recall the first time speech was transmitted
over a wire.
*Enter a 1900s phone booth and have a conversation on a box telephone!

Experimenter's Hall:

Numerous displays, inventions, artifacts, reproductions and working
models show Bell's extensive contributions to aviation, medicine,
marine engineering, genetics and eugenics.

*See the graphophone that looks like a sewing machine.
*Learn how Bell made fresh water from salt water using solar stills.
*See the vacuum jacket, an early device for artificial respiration.
*Find out about Bell's interest in sheep breeding and human heredity.

Bell and his associates made significant contributions to the
fledgling fields of aerodynamics and aviation. Their 20 years of
research and development led to the first controlled powered flight
in the Britich Empire in the Silver Dart. Discover everything from
early wooden propellers and kites to advanced ideas for rocket
propulsion. 

*Learn the story of Bell's wife, Mabel. Deaf from age five, she
became one of Bell's students. Mrs. Bell managed Beinn Bhreagh. She
also initiated and funded the Aerial experiment Association and was an
active community organizer.
*Watch the photophone demonstration.
*Explore the tetrahedral cell and its use in Bell's kites.
*Watch For You, Mr. Bell, an excellent film describing Bell's life
and work, with an emphasis on communication.

Hydrofoil Hall:

Here, you'll discover the 18 metre (60 ft.) hull of the original HD-4
and the fullsized reconstruction of the hydrofoil craft. By the time
you leave, you'll even know which end of this fantastic cigar-shaped
object is the front!

*Ask the guide to introduce you to the Bell-Baldwin hydrofoil story.
*Explore the display of original models built at Beinn Bhreagh to
test theories about foil and hull shapes.
*Watch a 10-minute video presentation about the development and
success of the hydrofoil, including fotage of original trial runs. 

Seasonal Programs:

During July and August, the site offers a number of special programs
for the whole family.

Evening Presentations: 
A series of film and slide presentations on Bell's life, his
relationship with Baddeck and its residents, and life in Cape Breton.
Shown nightly in Theatre I.

The Kite Program:
Children six years old and up construct, decorate and fly their own
kites! All materials are supplied by the site and children get to
keep their kites after testing them.

Family Kite-Flying Program:
Join with other kite-flying enthusiasts! After a delightful slide
presentation on kites, everyone goes outside for kite flying. Bring
your own kite or try some from the Site's collection.

Experiments Program:
Bell delighted in devising simple experiments to arouse children's
curiosity and interest in science. Children six years old and up are
invited to participate in some of the experiments Bell conducted with
his grandchildren.

Annual Programs:

Parks Day:
Held annually to recognize the contribution of national, provincial
and municipal parks and sites to our way of life.

Harvest Home:
Late September. An event reminiscent of the fall picnic the Bells
hosts each year. Bring the family for a day of fun.

Special Programs for Organized Groups:

Childern's Festival:
Held in June, this three week program (Monday-Friday each week) gives
school children a chance to participate in guided tour of the
complex, hands-on experiments, films, Big Book stories and more!
Attendance is limited. Contact the Site well in advance to
pre-register your class.

Elderhostel Program:
A one-week program held in the spring and fall. If you're 60 years or
better, join the fun in Baddeck and learn more about Alexander Graham
Bell. Pre-registration is required.

For more information about any of the above special programs, contact
the Site at (902) 295-2069. For dates, check the insert.

Off-season Services:
Services are reduced from mid-October to late May. During these
months, the site does not offer any talks or audio/visual programs.
With advance notice, however, these activities can be arranged for
groups. 

Conveniences:
Ample free parking is available for cars, buses and recreational
vehicles. The main washroom facility is at the parking lot. Others
are located just off the main lobby at the exit area next to
Hydrofoil Hall. Parking lot and lobby washrooms are wheelchair
accessible. Public telephones are available in the parking lot, near
the site entrance and near the exit.

Services for Visitors with Disabilities:
The complex is well-equipped to accommodate those with disabilities.
Ramped and alternative approaches to areas usually entered by
stairway are available. Regular audiovisual programs are captioned,
and the main theatre has an audio loop system, installed by Acadia
Chapter Telephone Pioneers of America, that enables those with
hearing aids to hear clearly.

Local Services:
Baddeck has been a popular summer vacation destination for many
families since the time of Alexander and Mabel Bell. The village
offers a full range of services, including accommodations,
restaurants, gift shops and a host of recreational facilities.
Centrally located, Baddeck marks the beginning and end of the Cabot
Trail. 

*Attend a live stag performance during the Centre Bras d'Or Festival
of the Arts, held each summer.
*Don't miss the Bras d'or Yacht Club Regattas, held annually in
August. 

For more information: 

Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
P.O. Box 159
Baddeck, Nova Scotia
B0E 1B0
Year-round: (902) 295-2069