The Night of Nights is annually observed on July 12. It commemorates the last commercial transmission of Morse code in the United States. Radio waves were used to transmit messages, primarily in Morse code, many years ago.
Through the efforts of the Maritime Radio Historical Society (M.R.H.S. ), the historic Morse code radio station KPH in West Marin returns to the air and transmits in Morse code from 5:01 p.m. to midnight. Listeners anticipate the return of the famous station’s signals to their receivers. Many will join the M.R.H.S. at the Point Reyes National Seashore receiving station to watch the signals being transmitted by hand using antique telegraph keys.
The background of Night of Nights
Once, Morse code radio facilities were dispersed along the coastline of the United States, all communicating with ships at sea. The maritime mobile channels were populated with strong stations from nearly every nation and continent. The radiograms of merchant ships and passenger liners permeated the air. Even more so when a ship was in peril, these radiotelegraph operators laboured tirelessly. They knew that if they used the three most recognisable letters in radio, S.O.S., their fellow radio operators would listen carefully to every detail and bring assistance to the distressed ship. The advent of satellite technology has rendered these frequencies largely mute.
Tom Horsfall and Richard Dillman founded the Maritime Radio Historical Society (M.R.H.S.) on the same day as the final Morse transmission to preserve maritime radio history. They toured the K.P.H. transmit-and-receive sites in Bolinas and Point Reyes, which had been closed for two years but were miraculously still intact. The receivers remained active, monitoring the Morse communication channels. They realised at that moment that they must restore and operate K.P.H. as a means to honour the men and women who, for a century, had made the profession of radio telegrapher a profession of honour and skill. They were able to persuade the National Park Service, where the Point Reyes station site was located, to grant them permission.
Now, not only has K.P.H. returned to the air, but so have K.S.M, K.F.S., and K6KPH, among others. Each year, the M.R.H.S. volunteers make it possible to honour the memory of the men and women of wireless thanks to their commitment.
NIGHT OF NIGHTS ACTIVITIES
Proceed to the reception station
Get to the scene of the action! Observe and listen as skilled radio telegraphers translate the long and brief beeps into weather forecasts, press releases, and special commemorative messages to mark the occasion.
Call in
Are you fortunate enough to be on a boat? Calling in from a ship at sea gives the impression that maritime radio has returned to its golden period.
Throw a celebration with a nautical theme.
Start at 5:01 p.m. and end at 12 a.m., the same time Morse code transmission is scheduled to begin. White with either blue or red patterns. Serve seafood and allow the rum to pour freely!
5 INTERESTING FACTS REGARDING THE FIRST MORSE CODE MESSAGE
It was 23:23 from the Book of Numbers and was recorded on a paper recording.
Annie Ellsworth, the small daughter of Morse’s friend, deserves credit.
From the Old Supreme Court Chamber in the United States Capitol to the Mount Clare Station of the Baltimore railroad, it travelled 40 miles.
Between 1837 and 1844, Morse sent it to his colleague inventor Alfred Vail, who assisted him in developing American telegraphy.
The initial transmission occurred on May 24, 1844.
NIGHT OF NIGHTS DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | July 12 | Wednesday |
2024 | July 12 | Friday |
2025 | July 12 | Saturday |
2026 | July 12 | Sunday |
2027 | July 12 | Monday |