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The device that ran for 100 years straight

In a hallway outside the Clarendon Library at the University of Oxford in England, a little electric bell has been ringing almost non-stop since 1840.

It certainly hasn’t been plugged in to the wall, so what’s the explanation for this long-running electrical marvel?

The device hasn’t been taken apart to be examined, but experts’ best guesses are that it is based on the work of Italian physicist and abbot Giuseppe Zamboni, who in the early 19th century developed a method of making high-voltage Volta piles, which functioned as early batteries.

A gorgeous example of one of Zamboni’s early devices is in the collection at SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention in Bellingham. It’s an extremely rare piece; there aren’t many like it anywhere in the world.

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SPARK Award event coming Friday, March 1

The IMAGINE event and presentation of the second annual SPARK Award will take place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 1, at SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention here in beautiful downtown Bellingham.

Tickets for the IMAGINE event will be available in blocks of one (1), two (2), four (4) and eight (8).

Can’t attend the event? You'll be able to make a one-time donation, too, to support the event. Go here to buy tickets or make a one-time donation.

Inspiring minds to explore science, engineering and technology is not only our mission, it’s our passion! Thank you for your support.

We want you! ⚡⚡ Join SPARK for a volunteer meeting Jan. 26

Photo courtesy of Einat Barenboim.

Are you passionate about inspiring children and adults to change the world with creativity and innovation? SPARK might be the place for you!

At 10 a.m. Jan. 26, SPARK Museum will play host to a volunteer info meeting. Come and learn what it means to be part of the SPARK community and begin changing your community, one child at a time, through powerful experiences and creative education.

Coffee and refreshments will be served. For questions, please contact Abby at abby@sparkmuseum.org or call the museum at 360-738-3886. Learn more about this event.