It’s not so well known outside the area, but the man who created the phonograph machine that would go on to become the world-famous Victrola was a Delaware native.The Johnson Victrola Museum is located in Dover and houses one of the region’s most complete collections of original phonographs made by E.R. Johnson. They range from the 1890s to nearly the 1930s.They’re impressive pieces of machinery, especially by the standards of the day. Now, many of them are exceedingly rare and priceless.The museum is free to visit, but there’s a donation box by the door. Most visitors choose to leave a few bucks per person to help with upkeep.

This is a small museum and well worth the half hour tour. Its not just about the Victrola, its about the complicated history of the science of recorded sound, and the very American story of the self-made man who perfected it. Recommended for music, business, woodworking, and history lovers.

I have learned a lot on this museum. There some features are very informative. And its a good learning ground.

Very interesting, free museum in Dover. Full of some incredible old phonographs and some very helpful and insightful staff members. Definitely worth a stop and it doesnt take long to see all it has to offer. Ask for a demonstration of some of the machines, you wont regret it!

Guides were very friendly and knowledgeable and would answer questions with enthusiasm. We very much enjoyed are vist.

Perfect place for music and recording history lovers! Worth the visit.

Really interesting place plus a 2nd floor will be opening soon!!

Only has two floors so your visit time wont be lomg. There are two floors to the building but the upstairs has no handicap access which is understandable since it is a old building. Plus side the volunteer on the shift was very informative and even demonstrated how the old record players work.

This place is amazing. To have all of those old Victrolas, and records, that are over 100 years old, and it all still work, simply amazing. What really blew my mind was how that 100+ yo record sounded as good as anything in this digital age, stunning! You have really got to stop and visit this place.

Awesome victrola history! Outgoing staff. Could not give 5 stars because there is no elevator/ ramp to reach the 2nd floor

For those who think that there’s nothing to do in Delaware, this place is a wonderful gem— especially if you like music or history. I stumbled upon this museum while strolling around downtown Dover. It has two floors and chronicles the history and innovation of the Victrola record player. Oh, and by the way, admission is free! Donations are optional.

This was such a fantastic museum, and Id have to say the best museum experience Ive had in a long time! The guide gave lots of extra information and stories compared to if I had gone through the museum on my own. She played some records on some of the older pieces they had, and it was enchanting. Id go back in a heart beat!

They started to do a brand new setup in the museum. Moving exhibits around. Worth the visit if u havent been in a while.

Nice museum, free entry. Steven was a wonderful guide. I loved his knowledge and enthusiasm. Parking available on site.

Great place to visit! I will be back

This place was incredible. They have all kinds of pieces. Its free. But best of all was the tour guide. His knowledge and obvious zeal for his job made the whole place fascinating. We learned lots and enjoyed our conversation with Mr. Steven. For the record, we have a 13 and 11 year old who also loved it!

If you loved your old record player of the 1950s or 60s, see (and hear!) what preceded them. And learn the origin of put a sock in it. Great museum find!

What a hidden gem! Do yourself a favor and stop by! The curators offer a fantastic guided tour

So interesting and the Guide was so informative and very professional.

Love did you have to go check it out

Super fun, great tour guides. Collection of vintage Victrolas and Edison cylinders, you get to touch and hear some actual ones. You could probably make it a half stop if youre rushed, we were probably there for an hour and a half.

Very informational, cute little museum.

What an amazing piece of history. Our tour guide was wonderful and very knowledgeable

Great place to learn the history of the victrola.

If you are nostalgic, this is the place to go. So many types of Victrolas, and the have thousands of old LPS.

Great tour! Loved listening to the old recordings.

Love going here and looking around at all the cool stuff

Lovely tour guide and very informative.

Wonderful visit. Tour guide were amazing.

A gem of a museum whenever in the Dover, Delaware, area. There is an amazing collection of gramophone record players going back to the beginning of its invention. There are also numerous items related to Nipper the dog, which was made famous by HMV (His Masters Voice). A must see for anyone who grew up in the age of record players.

This is a very nice place. We asked for a guided tour and were pleasantly surprised with the very nice story of the Victrola! Well done! Thank you!

Unique and interesting museum dedicated to the victrola. RCA Victors founder was born in Dover, hence the connection. History buffs and music lovers will find this a worthwhile visit. Also, fans of Nipper the dog will love the collection on the second floor. Best of all, its free on the first Saturday of every month, although a donation is always nice.

Great collection of victrola machines and memorabilia. Friendly and knowledgeable docents make for a great visit. Worth stopping in if you are in the Dover area. No admission fee, so its a budget friendly outing.

Loved this place. I stumbled upon this museum online and let me tell you it did not disappoint. Huge collection of victrolas, advertising, Nipper the dog displays, personal pieces from Johnson himself, plus much, much more. Two complete floors of items. The staff was very pleasant and made learning about the history very interesting. From explaining each stage of the victrola to listening (and dancing) to a 78rpm record it was a truly unique experience and one Ill never forget. I really do wish they had a gift shop though. I will certainly return here in the future.

If you have not been there, you need to check it out.

Great place if you love music and recording history!

Valerie Kauffman (Flutist)was wonderful showing and playing each American Indian Fulte. Thanks to the Historical & Cultural Affairs, the planning committee and whoever help with planning this events.

What a friend museum! And its free! Its small. You probably wont spend much more than a half hour there, but its worth the visit.

Very informative staff

Great family museum! Lots of music history

Wonderful collection ! Educational background .. interesting ! so worth the time!

Very interesting, really enjoyed the tour

This is a great place to visit. Gavin gave us a great tour and played records on the Victrolas. The museum has 2 floors with a great selection. The origins of the Walkman, iPod, tape recorder and jukebox can be traced back to many items in this museum.

A wonderful collection of machines and Nipperabilia. Something for everyone to see, hear, and touch regarding one of the pioneers of the recorded sound industry.

Very friendly staff and well informed. Lots of cool old victrolas

If you like recorded music, sound equipment and technology in this museum you can see, hear and learn how it all started. Get the tour!

Very friendly and helpful... Great variety of historical items.

A Dover, Delaware must see. If you appreciate music and its history then stop by here, lots of 78s and Victrolas.

Enjoyed the history!

Doesnt ring a bell? It does once you see the His Masters Voicedog. Yep, this used to be the birhplace of thousands of record players and is now a smaal museum with very informative and friendly volunteers.

Great little gem of a museum in Dover

A museum dedicated to the founder of the Victrola record machine?I was surprised as you are, but not as surprised as I was as how enjoyable the facility turned out to be!Great free 30 minute tour that goes over the history of manufacturing of the machines and Johnson Victrola.

Very good tour! Very educational! !

This is a great place great tour and interesting facts not too be missed great experience

A must see in Dover. Who new the story with Delaware ties. Beautiful place and a great gem.

Historical - The Real Deal!

This is fantastic and worth to see.

Hear a record played on a victrola....quite a delight.

The guided tour is informative and fun.

Anything and everything Victrola! If you stay four the guided tour, allot at least one hour.

Loved seeing all the items

Fanntastic museum

Ok

Great tour!

Nice place to see with a family

Great place friendly