Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Ford Rouge Factory Tour and Giant Screen Experience will be closed Monday, March 16 for a day of staff learning and development. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Ford Rouge Factory Tour and Giant Screen Experience will be closed Monday, March 16 for a day of staff learning and development. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Telegraph Key Used by Theodore Haubner to Send One of the First "SOS" Distress Signal on August 11, 1909

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Artifact Overview

In 1909, telegraph operator Theodore Haubner sent the first American ship-to-shore wireless distress signal -- SOS -- using this telegraph key. Haubner was aboard the SS Arapahoe off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, when it became disabled.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Telegraph key

Date Made

circa 1900

Subject Date

11 August 1909

Creators

Place of Creation

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America

Object ID

68.2.3

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Dorothy S. Haubner.

Material

Brass (Alloy)

Dimensions

Width: 2 in
Length: 5 in

Inscriptions

Stamped on base: J.H. BUNNELL & CO. / NEW YORK, U.S.A.
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