Last Updated:

2024-02-15 22:00:14

Alexander Graham Bell

Inventor of the telephone

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Inventor of the telephone

Alexander Graham Bell was a Scottish-born Canadian-American inventor, scientist, and engineer. He patented the first practical telephone and co-founded AT&T. Bell's family background and personal experiences influenced his work on hearing and speech. He also made significant contributions to optical telecommunications, hydrofoils, and aeronautics. Bell's interest in heredity led to important studies in the field.

Telephone Benjamin Graham Alan Turing James Clerk Maxwell Alexander Fleming Benjamin Franklin Wright brothers Arthur Balfour Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Albert Einstein

1834

Antonio Meucci claims to have created first telephone model in Italy

Italian inventor Antonio Meucci claimed to have invented the first working model of a telephone in Italy in 1834. His claims were disputed due to lack of material evidence, and the final case involving Meucci was eventually dropped.

1847-03-03

Alexander Graham Bell's Birth

Alexander Graham Bell was born on March 3, 1847, in Edinburgh, Scotland, to Alexander Melville Bell and Eliza Symonds Bell. He was the second of three sons.

1847-03-03

Alexander Graham Bell born

Alexander Graham Bell, the Scottish-born inventor of the telephone, was born on March 3, 1847.

1852

Alexander Melville Bell Family Portrait

Around 1852, a family portrait was taken featuring Alexander Melville Bell, his wife Eliza Grace Symonds, and their children Melville James, Alexander Graham, and Edward Charles.

1858

Alexander Graham Bell adopts the name Graham

In 1858, Alexander Graham Bell adopts the name Graham out of admiration for Alexander Graham, a family friend, and becomes known as Alexander Graham Bell.

1858

Adoption of Middle Name 'Graham'

In 1858, Alexander Graham Bell adopted the middle name 'Graham.'

1859-12

Bell invents his first machine

Bell invents his first machine at the age of 12, which could clean wheat grains and remove the husks. This marked the beginning of his journey as an inventor.

1861

Alexander Graham Bell invents wheat dehusker

At the age of twelve, Alexander Graham Bell created a wheat dehusker for a friend's flour mill in Edinburgh, Scotland, showcasing his early passion for inventing.

1862

Dropped Out of School

In 1862, Alexander Bell dropped out of school and went to live with his grandfather.

1862

Dropped Out of School

In 1862, Alexander Graham Bell dropped out of school and went to live with his grandfather.

1863-01-01

Bell and His Brothers Help Their Father

Bell and his two brothers began assisting their father in public demonstrations of visible speech. This event showcases the collaborative efforts of the Bell family in the field of visible speech.

1864-04

Development of Visible Speech

In April 1864, Alexander Melville Bell creates Visible Speech, a universal alphabet that represents all human voice sounds with symbols.

1865-01-01

Bell's Family Moves To London

Bell's family relocates to London while he remains in order to pursue studies at Weston House as a student-teacher. This marks a significant transition in Bell's personal and educational journey.

1866

Alexander Graham Bell becomes a teacher of elocution and music

At the age of 16 in 1866, Alexander Graham Bell stayed in Scotland and started working as a teacher of elocution and music.

1867

Invention of Visible Speech

Alexander Graham Bell invented a language called Visible Speech to help deaf people communicate orally. This invention was particularly important to the Bell family as Alexander's mother started losing her hearing when he was young.

1868-01-01

Bell Takes Over

In 1868, Alexander Graham Bell took over his father's business and started assisting individuals with hearing impairments.

1868-05-21

Teaching speech to the deaf at Susanna Hull's school

On May 21, 1868, Alexander Melville Bell started teaching speech to the deaf at Susanna Hull's school for deaf children in London.

1870-01-01

Family Sickness

In 1870, Alexander Graham Bell faced a family sickness, impacting his personal life.

1871-04

Bell trains instructors in Visible Speech System

In April 1871, Alexander Graham Bell successfully trained instructors at the Boston School for Deaf Mutes in the Visible Speech System. His training was well-received, leading to further invitations to teach at other institutions for the deaf.

1872-01-01

Bell Opens School

In 1872, Alexander Graham Bell opened a school in Boston specifically for teachers of the hearing impaired.

1873-01-01

Bell Opens School for Hearing Impaired Teachers

On January 1, 1873, Alexander Graham Bell established a school in Boston dedicated to training teachers who work with the hearing impaired.

1874-06-10

Bell's Invention of the Phonautograph

On June 10, 1874, Alexander Graham Bell invented the Phonautograph, an early device for recording sound. This invention laid the foundation for his future work in communication technology.

1875-06-02

Bell invents the telephone

On June 2, 1875, Alexander Graham Bell, while experimenting on the phonoautograph, a machine that helps plot sound waves, came up with the idea of a telephone. He hired an assistant named Thomas Watson during this time.

1876-01-01

Bell Invents the Telephone

On January 1, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell successfully invented the telephone.

1876-01-23

Alexander Graham Bell patents the telephone

Alexander Graham Bell, the Scottish-born inventor, patented the telephone on January 23, 1876, revolutionizing communication.

1876-02-14

Filing of Telephone Patent by Alexander Graham Bell

On February 14, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell filed a patent for his telephone invention at the U.S. Patent Office, just two hours before his rival Elisha Gray filed a declaration of intent for a similar device. This marked a crucial moment in the history of communication technology.

1876-03-07

Alexander Graham Bell receives patent for the telephone

On March 7, 1876, Bell receives a patent for technology that would transmit the human voice: the telephone. This patent marks a significant milestone in the history of communication.

1876-03-10

First successful telephone call

On March 10, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell made the first successful telephone call to his assistant, saying 'Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you.'

1876-03-10

Alexander Graham Bell makes first successful telephone call

On March 10, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell made the first successful telephone call to his assistant, saying 'Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you.'

1876-04-10

Bell's Telephone Debut at Philadelphia Centennial Exposition

On April 10, 1876, Bell's telephone made its debut at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, showcasing the innovative device to the public.

1876-07-09

First Telephone Conversation

On October 9, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas A. Watson had the first wire conversation over a two-mile wire between Cambridge and Boston. This marked the beginning of telephone communication.

1876-08-03

Bell gets first long-distance call

On August 3, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell made the first long-distance call using his telephone invention, showcasing its effectiveness in transmitting sound over a distance.

1876-10-09

First Two-Way Telephone Conversation

The first two-way conversation over a telephone line occurred on October 9, 1876, between Cambridge and Boston. Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Watson engaged in a reciprocal conversation, with Bell in Boston and Watson in the Walworth Manufacturing Company offices.

1877-07-11

Marriage of Alexander Graham Bell and Mabel Hubbard

Despite a 10-year age difference, Alexander Graham Bell and Mabel Hubbard, one of Bell's students, fell in love and got married on July 11, 1877. They had four children together.

1878-01-14

Bell's Telephone Demonstration to Queen Victoria

On January 14, 1878, at Osborne House, Bell demonstrated the telephone device to Queen Victoria, making the first publicly witnessed long-distance telephone calls in the UK. The queen found the process extraordinary.

1879-06-14

Resigns Professorial Chair

Alexander Graham Bell resigns from his professorial chair.

1880-06-21

First Wireless Voice Telephone Message

On June 21, 1880, Bell's assistant transmitted a wireless voice telephone message from the roof of the Franklin School in Washington, D.C., to Bell at his laboratory, 700 feet away. Bell considered this achievement with the photophone as his greatest invention.

1881

Married Mabel Hubbard

In 1881, he married Mabel Hubbard, a union that had a lasting impact on his personal and professional life.

1883-01-01

Move to Giverny

On January 1, 1883, Alexander Graham Bell moved to Giverny. Giverny is a significant location known for its artistic community and beautiful landscapes.

1885

Purchase of Beinn Bhreagh Estate

In 1885, Alexander Graham Bell purchased land near the village of Baddeck in Nova Scotia, Canada, where he constructed an estate called Beinn Bhreagh.

1886

Invention of the Graphophone

Alexander Graham Bell also developed the Graphophone in 1886. The Graphophone was an improved version of the phonograph, which could record and reproduce sound.

1887-01-13

U.S. Government moves to annul Bell's telephone patent

The U.S. Government attempted to invalidate Alexander Graham Bell's telephone patent on the grounds of fraud and misrepresentation. After a series of legal battles, the Bell company ultimately won a decision in the Supreme Court.

1888

Becoming President of the National Geographic Society

In 1888, Alexander Graham Bell became the President of the National Geographic Society. His involvement in this organization showcased his interest in exploration and geography.

1890-08

Alexander Graham Bell Family Papers at the Library of Congress

In August 1890, the Alexander Graham Bell Family Papers were housed at the Library of Congress.

1891

Bell's Experiments with Motor-Powered Aircraft

In 1891, Alexander Graham Bell began experiments to develop motor-powered heavier-than-air aircraft. The Aerial Experiment Association (AEA) was formed during this time with the vision to fly, inspired by Bell's wife's suggestion to seek young help.

1892-10-18

Inauguration of New York City–Chicago Telephone Link

Alexander Graham Bell inaugurated the 1,520-km (944-mile) telephone link between New York City and Chicago on October 18, 1892.

1893

Helen Keller performs sod-breaking ceremony for Volta Bureau

In 1893, Helen Keller performed the sod-breaking ceremony for the construction of Bell's new Volta Bureau, dedicated to 'the increase and diffusion of knowledge relating to the deaf'.

1897

Opening of Long-Distance Line from New York to Chicago

In 1897, Alexander Graham Bell was present at the opening of the long-distance line connecting New York to Chicago. This event marked a significant milestone in the history of telecommunications.

1898-01-07

Becoming the second president of the National Geographic Society

Alexander Graham Bell served as the second president of the National Geographic Society from January 7, 1898, until 1903. During his tenure, he had a strong influence on the society and its magazine.

1899-12-30

Bell elected Regent of the Smithsonian Institution

On December 30, 1899, Alexander Graham Bell was elected as a Regent of the Smithsonian Institution.

1900

Alexander Graham Bell passed away

Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, passed away leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to influence communication technology.

1907-10

Formation of the Aerial Experiment Association (AEA)

In October 1907, the Aerial Experiment Association (AEA) was officially formed at Baddeck, Nova Scotia, with the financial support of Bell's wife Mabel. The AEA aimed to advance aerospace engineering research and was headed by Bell, along with other founding members including Glenn H. Curtiss and Lieutenant Thomas Selfridge.

1908-03-12

First Public Flight in North America by AEA

On March 12, 1908, the Aerial Experiment Association (AEA) achieved the first public flight in North America with their biplane, the Red Wing, over Keuka Lake. This marked a significant milestone in the history of aviation, showcasing the group's innovative designs and contributions to flight technology.

1908-09-17

First Fatality in Powered Heavier-Than-Air Flight

Lieutenant Thomas Selfridge became the first person killed in a powered heavier-than-air flight during a crash of the Wright Flyer at Fort Myer, Virginia, on September 17, 1908. This tragic event highlighted the risks and challenges faced in the early days of aviation development.

1909-02-23

First Aircraft Flight in Canada with the Silver Dart

On February 23, 1909, the Silver Dart, the final aircraft design of the Aerial Experiment Association (AEA), made the first aircraft flight in Canada. Piloted by J. A. D. McCurdy, this successful flight demonstrated the advancements in aviation technology achieved by the AEA.

1914

Receiving AIEE's Edison Medal

In 1914, Alexander Graham Bell was awarded the Edison Medal by the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE) for his notable achievement in inventing the telephone. This recognition highlighted his pioneering work in the field of telecommunications.

1915-01-25

First Transcontinental Phone Call by Alexander Graham Bell

Alexander Graham Bell makes the first transcontinental phone call.

1917

Bell Telephone Memorial

The Bell Telephone Memorial was erected in honor of Alexander Graham Bell in Alexander Graham Bell Gardens in Brantford, Ontario.

1919-09-09

World Marine Speed Record Set by HD-4

On September 9, 1919, Bell's HD-4 hydrofoil set a world marine speed record of 70.86 miles per hour, a record that stood for ten years.

1921

Served as honorary president at the Second International Congress of Eugenics

In 1921, he took on the role of honorary president at the Second International Congress of Eugenics, showcasing his influence beyond the field of communication.

1922-08-02

Death of Alexander Graham Bell

Alexander Graham Bell passed away at 2 o'clock in the morning on August 2, 1922, at his estate near Baddeck. His health had been deteriorating throughout his seventy-sixth year, and his death came unexpectedly. His family was by his side, allowing him to peacefully pass away.

1936

Recognition by US Patent Office

In 1936, the US Patent Office declared Alexander Graham Bell as the first on its list of the country's greatest inventors. This acknowledgment led to the issuance of a commemorative stamp by the US Post Office in 1940, honoring Bell as part of its 'Famous Americans Series'.

1950

Alexander Graham Bell inducted into Hall of Fame

In 1950, Alexander Graham Bell was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame for his contributions to the field of communication, particularly for inventing the telephone.

1957

Eyewitness No. 90 A Great Inventor Is Remembered

A 1957 NFB short film about Alexander Graham Bell.

1973-04-03

The First Phone Call

On April 3, 1973, the first-ever phone call was made by Martin Cooper in New Jersey.

1996-08-06

Alexander Graham Bell: Voice of Invention

An episode aired on Biography on August 6, 1996, focusing on Alexander Graham Bell.

1997

Commemorative Banknotes by Royal Bank of Scotland

In 1997, on the 150th anniversary of Alexander Graham Bell's birth, the Royal Bank of Scotland issued special commemorative £1 banknotes featuring Bell's profile, signature, and various objects symbolizing his life and career. This tribute highlighted Bell's significant contributions to science and technology.

2002-06-11

U.S. House of Representatives acknowledges Meucci's work on the telephone

Congressman Vito Fossella led an effort resulting in the U.S. House of Representatives acknowledging Antonio Meucci's work in the invention of the telephone on June 11, 2002.

2006

Inclusion in Scottish Science Hall of Fame

In 2006, Alexander Graham Bell was named one of the 10 greatest Scottish scientists in history and was included in the National Library of Scotland's 'Scottish Science Hall of Fame'. This recognition underscored Bell's enduring legacy and impact on the field of science.

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Alexander Graham Bell