If you are heading to the 2026 Dayton Hamvention, you owe it to yourself to take a short trip south to West Chester, Ohio. Housed in the historic Bethany Relay Station, the National VOA Museum of Broadcasting is a monument to the era of “Big Iron” and global shortwave dominance.
Why It Matters to Hams:
The Bethany Station was commissioned in 1943 to bypass East Coast facilities vulnerable to U-boat attacks. At its peak, it was one of the most powerful transmitting sites in the world, literally “fighting the war on the communications front.”
The Transmitter Hall: You can see a massive 250 kW Collins shortwave transmitter and the original antenna switching matrix used to beam signals across Europe, Africa, and South America.
The Drake Collection: Since R.L. Drake was based nearby in Miamisburg, the museum features an extensive collection of Drake gear—a definite highlight for any fan of vintage American-made rigs.
WC8VOA: The West Chester Amateur Radio Association operates their club station right from the museum. They are often active during Hamvention weekend, and it’s a thrill to see a modern ham shack operating from a site that once shook the ionosphere with megawatts of power.
Recent Renovations: The museum recently completed major upgrades, including a new ground-level entrance for better accessibility and refreshed exhibits covering the Cold War era and the history of radio pioneer Powel Crosley Jr.Visitor Information
Location: 8070 Tylersville Road, West Chester, OH 45069 (Use Crosley Blvd for GPS).
Hours: Typically open Friday–Sunday, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Admission: $10 for adults; $9 for military/veterans.
Distance from Hamvention: Approximately 35 minutes south of the Greene County Fairgrounds.
If you appreciate the technical side of our hobby—huge vacuum tubes, massive switchgear, and the history of how radio shaped the 20th century—don’t skip the VOA Museum