Marconi Day at the Maison Dieu
The Maison Dieu is one of 56 venues around the world taking part in International Marconi Day, celebrating east Kent’s links with the early history of radio, and the legacy of inventor Guglielmo Marconi (25 April 1874 – 20 July 1937), renowned for his pioneering work in wireless communication.
A free, family-friendly drop‑in event will take place on Saturday 25 April from 10am to 3pm, offering a range of technology‑themed activities for all ages.
Amateur radio clubs from across the district will commemorate the early days of radio and wireless communication centred on Dover’s historic Maison Dieu, where representatives from the Marconi company demonstrated their work in 1899.
Enthusiasts from Dover Amateur Radio Club will transmit across the Channel and link with French partners in Wimereux at 12.30pm, recreating the two‑way cross‑Channel message sent from the Maison Dieu in 1899.
Dover district’s historical links to Marconi include:
- The world’s first ship‑to‑shore radio transmission, made from the East Goodwin Lightship to South Foreland Lighthouse in December 1898.
- The first ever international wireless signal, sent from Wimereux in France to South Foreland Lighthouse in March 1899.
- The Marconi Company addressing the British Association for the Advancement of Science at the Maison Dieu in September 1899, demonstrating its innovation by transmitting a message to Boulogne.
- Marconi’s membership of Dover’s Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club.
Although the main event is based at Dover’s Maison Dieu, there will also be activities at South Foreland Lighthouse and Dover’s Market Square.
Visitors will be able to:
- Discover Dover’s links with the birth of radio.
- Chat to people from around the world.
- Send a message in Morse code.
- Send semaphore flag signals across the gallery.
- Enjoy humorous and dark tales.
- Recreate the 1899 cross‑Channel message with radio friends in France.
- Learn about Kent’s Marconi links, including at South Foreland Lighthouse.
- Create and colour their own naval signal flags.
There will also be opportunities to explore many other forms of communication, from the Shutter Telegraph and maritime signalling to Morse code, short‑wave radio and satellite transmissions.
Barry O’Brien from event co-ordinators, Dover Tales, said: “From mobile phones to DAB and on to television and the internet, radio waves surround us as part of our everyday life. Dover has played an important part in the early days of the experiments that led to the development of those radio waves that today let us share words without wires across the globe.”
Martin Crowther, Engagement Officer at the Maison Dieu, said: “International Marconi Day is a fantastic chance for visitors to get hands‑on with the history of communication. From sending Morse and semaphore signals to recreating the 1899 cross‑Channel message, there’s something for all ages to enjoy. We’re excited to bring the story of early wireless technology to life in the very building where Marconi made history.”
Notes to editors
Marconi Day is being held at the Maison Dieu, Biggin Street, Dover, CT16 1DL. The venue is accessible and refreshments will be provided.
Volunteers from Deal’s Timeball Tower Museum will explain the optical Shutter Telegraph system, and representatives from Kent Downs National Landscape will share information about the cross‑Channel Geopark Transmanche.
Other international venues taking part in International Marconi Day include:
- Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
- Hornsby, New South Wales, Australia
- Signal Hill, Newfoundland, Canada
- Castel Gandolfo, Rome
- New Jersey, USA
The Maison Dieu is open to the public daily. On the same weekend (25 and 26 April) visitors can gain free access to the Mayor’s Parlour (10am to 4pm) including the bedrooms, as part of the Mayor’s Parlour Open Days in partnership with The Landmark Trust. Advance booking is recommended. See www.maisondieudover.org.uk
Posted on 15 April 2026