State Library Event: Audio Archaeology at Madigan Army Hospital’s Radio Station

Hidden Voices: Audio Archaeology at Madigan Army Hospital’s Radio Station, with Dale Sadler (Cultural Resources Specialist), and Duane Colt Denfeld (Architectural Historian), Joint Base Lewis-McChord Cultural Resources Program

Washington State Library, 2nd Floor, Room 221

In this Washington State Archaeology Month presentation, Dale Sadler and Duane Colt Denfeld of Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) Cultural Resources Program will examine a fascinating part of Washington State’s history that was discovered during renovations in 2011 at Madigan Army Medical Center on JBLM in Pierce County. At that time thousands of phonograph records and other musical artifacts were found hidden behind a gymnasium wall.

Research identified them as recordings produced by the Armed Forces Radio Service (AFRS) from the World War II years through 1959. The recordings had been broadcast on the Madigan General Hospital (later Madigan Army Hospital) Bedside Network station, which used the call letters KMGH and later KMAH.

In their talk the speakers will focus on the sound artifacts (transcription discs and acetate recordings) and other related media objects (radio scripts, record sleeve annotations, etc.) that were uncovered in 2011. Some of these artifacts will be on display and the actual transcribed audio used to supplement the presentation. It will be a wonderful opportunity to literally hear the past.

This program is free to the public. You are welcome to bring lunch. Coffee will be served.