about the voa section

when President Roosevelt began to plan for high power radio stations able to reach all parts of the world with information about the United States, he turned to Crosley and his corps of pioneering engineers to make it happen.

Crosley had already constructed and operated WLW at 500,000 watts making it the most powerful in the world. He also operated WLWO, a high-power shortwave station, beaming programming to Europe.

The engineering team was up to the task and built from scratch six 250,000-watt transmitters and 27 antenna arrays capable of reaching millions of listeners in Europe, North and South Africa and South America.

The level of technology innovation that took place in this building beginning in 1943 is as groundbreaking as any now being accomplished in Silicon Valley.

When you first arrive don’t miss watching our award winning documentary video. It summarizes the history and importance of the Voice of America and, more specifically, the Bethany Relay Station, home of the Museum.

The six transmitters were connected to dozens of large antennas spread across a one square mile area. Some of the concrete tower bases can still be seen in the adjacent Butler County Metro Park located at the rear of the Museum. Many people remember seeing these towers as they drove on Interstate 75. about