© 2024 KRWG
News that Matters.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Wireless Wizardry: The History of Radio in the Mesilla Valley

Robert Truitt's ham radio "handle."
Amateur Radio Operator license plate.

Las Cruces, NM - On this edition of PUENTES, bridges to the community, host Emily Guerra meets with Mesilla Valley Radio Club members, Robert Bennett and Robert Truitt to talk about the current exhibit at the Branigan Cultural Center.

Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, began with the invention of the radio in the late 19th century, and is still very relevant in this century. The first amateur radio club was organized in 1909 in New York; and in 1949 the Mesilla Valley Radio Club began in Las Cruces. The club provides a social environment for hams as well as the organizational structure to support emergency communications. People use ham radio to talk across town, around the world, or even into space – all without the internet or cell phones. Amateur radio enthusiast, Truitt says “the technology of amateur radio is different from a cell phone. If there is a real emergency within a matter of minutes the ability to communicate with anyone using a cell phone will be limited if not non-existent altogether.”

Members of the Mesilla Valley Radio Club will display vintage radios and wireless equipment from the early 20th century as well as new technology at the Branigan Cultural Center’s current exhibit – “Wireless Wizardry: The History of Radio in the Mesilla Valley.” The exhibit will be on display through October 12th. For scheduled events and more information visit the club’s website – www.N5BL.org.