Bell Homestead National Historic Site to celebrate 150th anniversary of first long-distance telephone call

BRANTFORD, ON – The City of Brantford will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first long-distance telephone call between Paris, Ontario and Brantford, Ontario by hosting two special events this August at the Bell Homestead National Historic Site (NHS), located at 94 Tutela Heights Road.

Residents and visitors are invited to the First Long-Distance Call Celebration, a free community event on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bell Homestead NHS. The day will feature live music, crafts for kids, historic displays about the first long-distance call, and refreshments for purchase from The Exchange Café. Free self-guided tours of the Homestead will also be available throughout the day. People of all ages are invited to enjoy an afternoon of entertainment and discovery while learning about Brantford’s important role in the development of the telephone.

The celebration continues Monday, August 10, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with Hoy! Hoy! Brantford to Paris: A 150th Anniversary Tea. Guests will enjoy a themed high tea menu, lively trivia, and a guided tour of the Homestead featuring fascinating stories and facts around the first long-distance call. Tickets are $25 per person and space is limited. Tickets can now be purchased at Brantford.ca/BellHomestead.

The historic call marked a significant milestone in telecommunications. During his third major test, Dr. Alexander Graham Bell set up a telephone transmitter at the Dominion Telegraph office in downtown Brantford, while a receiver was installed in a telegraph office in Paris, Ontario. The successful transmission demonstrated the potential for long-distance voice communication. Residents and visitors are encouraged to take part in these celebrations and experience the legacy of one of Canada’s most significant technological achievements.

The Bell Homestead NHS has partnered with the Arlington Hotel to commemorate the event. Guests who book a stay at the hotel between August 10 and 13, 2026, can take advantage of Special Anniversary Room Rates, with Junior Suites available for $229 per night. This rate includes admission for two to the Bell Homestead National Historic Site; tours will be reserved by the Arlington Hotel upon booking. Guests can also enjoy access to a pop-up display inside the Arlington Hotel during the anniversary week. Additionally, the Library Table and Bar will feature a specially crafted menu item reflecting themes of connection, innovation, and tradition. Proceeds from this dish will benefit the Paris Salvation Army Food Bank. The restaurant operates from Wednesday to Sunday, and menu items are not included in the package price. To book this package, visit arlingtonhotel.ca.

To learn more about these events and to purchase tickets to Hoy! Hoy! Brantford to Paris: A 150th Anniversary Tea, visit Brantford.ca/BellHomestead or call 519-756-6220. Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #ThanksMrBell.

- 30 -

Media Contact:

City of Brantford, Communications and Community Engagement
519-759-4150 | communications@brantford.ca