Home - Audio History Library

Thank you for your interest in the efforts of the Audio History Library (AHL) to document the genesis of the audio industry. The AHL is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational charity serving as the world's only repository and resource for the technological history of acoustic and electronic products that have made possible the very existence of the radio, television, concert touring, film (other than silent) and recording industries.

Our collection is composed of files on over 1,000 companies in 34 countries worldwide … and is growing daily. The AHL endeavors to become an on-line encyclopedia chronicling every aspect of the development of the technologies of sound recording, sound storage, broadcasting and sound reproduction.

Although our collection focuses on manufacturers product literature, included are equipment reviews, related materials, photographs, yards of bookshelves, poster art and industrial design. ALL celebrate the audio industry! Our photo collection includes the first speaker manufacturing facility in the western hemisphere, the world's first use of a public address system, the first microphone used by a Pope, the first movie soundstage.

Individuals donate materials and authors their research. Historical curators of companies contribute by sending details of their incorporation, biographies of their founders or key inventors, timelines that chronologically list product introductions, number produced, life cycles, company milestones and possibly experimental work. All contributions are tax deductible. All contributions are gratefully received.

If there is any more information we can provide detailing our efforts in preserving and disseminating our audio heritage, and your support in any way of the future of audio history, we would appreciate hearing from you. Please contact us today at the address below.

Very truly yours,

Louis Manno
Audio History Library
Lenox Hill Box 1979
New York, New York

10021