We live in a world where most of us can hold a small device in our hands and access an unknowable amount of information just by pressing a few buttons.
At the same time, groups like the Albemarle Amateur Radio Club continue to keep knowledge of older technology alive. The Federal Communications Commission reserves some bands to licensed operators who seek to use the airwaves for non-pecuniary use.
On Saturday, June 27, the group will participate in an annual Field Day that serves as a nationwide preparation for emergency communications.
“When we have absolute disasters and all of the more modern communication facilities go down, it is these ham radio people who keep everybody going and get in touch,” said Supervisor Ann Mallek of Albemarle’s White Hall District.
Mallek will be participating at the event which will begin at 2 p.m at the Earlysville Volunteer Fire Company at 283 Reas Ford Road. The program runs for 24 hours while operators run three stations using voice communication, data transfer, and Morse code.
“You can watch, you can get on the air, you can learn about all sorts of educational things,” Mallek said. “And there’ll be tents for cooling off and being in the shade.”
The Albemarle Amateur Radio Club dates back to 1962 and has over a hundred members. Field Day dates back to 1933. You can sample amateur radio at a website called SpinTheDial.
Any radio memories to share?
This is one story that is much more fun if you listen to it.
Before you go: The goal of Town Crier Productions is to increase awareness about what is happening at the local, regional, state, and federal government levels. Please share the work with others if you want people to know things. Paid subscribers cover the cost of conducting research for this article which was originally published in the June 25, 2026 edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement. You can either subscribe through Substack or make a charitable contribution.
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