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 at the Bell Homestead National Historic Site (NHS) in August.
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 will continue on 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.
