Night of Nights

Every July 12, radio enthusiasts around the globe tune in for Night of Nights, a heartfelt tribute marking the end of commercial Morse code transmissions in the U.S. in 1999. Piloted by the Maritime Radio Historical Society (MRHS), this solemn commemoration brings historic coast stations KPH, KFS and amateur station K6KPH back to life. From dusk until midnight, volunteers send heartfelt messages, weather reports, and tributes in dit‑dah rhythms, keeping alive the memory of the telegraph operators who once connected ships and shores. The event honours their skill and dedication and celebrates radio’s golden maritime era.

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History

• Origin: Driven by pride and nostalgia, the MRHS revived this legacy after the final Morse transmission on July 12, 1999

• Founders: Maritime radio advocates Tom Horsfall and Richard Dillman founded MRHS and launched the first “Night of Nights” on July 12, 2000

• Setting: The celebration is centered around the historic RCA Coast Station site at Point Reyes, California, and its Bolinas transmitting counterpart.

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Importance of the Day

– Technical Heritage: Represents the end of an era dominated by Morse transmissions, symbolizing milestones in early telecommunications.
– Cultural Memory: Pays tribute to the thousands of radio telegraphers whose steadfast work kept ships connected and safe.
– Preservation Mission: Empowers volunteers to keep vintage maritime radio equipment running and educates the public about radio history.

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Significance

Night of Nights fosters a bridge between past and present—breathing new life into analog Morse nostalgia. Hearing live transmissions today is a window into older communication practices and a nod to operators whose manual diligence once saved lives at sea (nationaltoday.com, nps.gov).

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Why It Is Celebrated

• Commemoration: July 12 marks the day commercial Morse was officially retired in the U.S.

• Heritage Revival: Instead of fading into history, MRHS stepped forward to preserve, revive, and celebrate maritime Morse code traditions.

• Community Connection: It brings together historians, amateur radio operators, and public audiences, united by respect for a bygone era.

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How It Is Celebrated

• Live Morse Transmissions: Coast stations KPH and KFS broadcast from 5:01 pm PDT until midnight

• Amateur Radio Engagement: K6KPH invites ham operators worldwide to exchange signal reports and greetings via shortwave CW.

• Visitor Participation: Guests can tour the Point Reyes receive site, observe vintage telegraph keys, and engage with volunteers.

• Themed Gatherings: Many enthusiasts host nautical-themed parties—white and navy attire, rum, seafood, or small local meet-ups.

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Global Reach

• Primarily U.S.-based: The focal hub is Point Reyes, CA, but signals on shortwave and medium-wave propagate worldwide.

• Remote participation: Listeners coast-to-coast—and beyond—share signal reception reports and communicate via radio, digital record exchanges, and online communal forums.

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Citizen Involvement & Success

• Volunteers: Participate by operating transmitters, sending commemorative messages, and maintaining vintage radio equipment.

• Radio Operators: Contribute from their homes or coastal vessels, enhancing community interaction and signal reach.

• Public Visitors: Attend on-site events, learn Morse code basics, collect QSL cards, or donate to MRHS for station upkeep.
  This combined support makes Night of Nights an annual success and preservation model.

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Theme for 2025

Night of Nights focuses on celebrating IQS—the “Inherited Quality of Skill,” embracing the expertise of deep telegraph practice. It emphasizes volunteer training, authentic message sending, and encouraging Morse familiarity among newcomers.

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10 Famous Quotes

1. “Fair winds, following seas and good listening.” — MRHS transmission sign‑off

2. “It was a shock… and then there was silence.” — Richard Dillman on last commercial Morse

3. “Night of Nights is radio’s answer to ‘Night of the Living Dead.’” — SWLing Post

4. “The dits and dahs of historic maritime station KPH now haunt the airwaves.” — SWLing Post

5. “We picked up the thread and carried on the tradition.” — MRHS founders

6. “Anything that gets geeks to rejoice is always a good thing.” — National Today

7. “It serves to increase the longing.” — On simpler-times nostalgia

8. “Maritime Morse communication isn’t dying; tonight, it lives.” — MRHS statement

9. “A night for the hearts who once keyed for safety at sea.” — Visitor reflection

10. “Our beacon is not silence, but shared memory.” — MRHS tribute

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FAQs

Q1. What is Night of Nights?
An annual tribute on July 12, marking the last U.S. commercial Morse transmission, with historic radio stations reactivated.

Q2. Who organizes it?
The Maritime Radio Historical Society, founded by Tom Horsfall and Richard Dillman.

Q3. Where does it happen?
Mainly at Point Reyes National Seashore (receive station) and Bolinas Coast Station (transmit) in California.

Q4. What time does it start?
5:01 pm PDT (0001 UTC) continuing until midnight, sometimes later.

Q5. Can I listen remotely?
Yes—tune in on shortwave/medium-wave frequencies listed on MRHS’s site; follow up with reception reports or QSL cards.

Q6. How can amateurs join?
Operators can key in via K6KPH on multiple HF bands (3.550, 7.050, 14.050, 21.050 MHz) and send QSL cards.

Q7. Is there an entry fee?
No—public access is free. Donations are accepted to support station upkeep .

Q8. Why celebrate Morse when it’s defunct?
Because it shaped maritime safety and early wireless communication. Its revival honors past skills and traditions.

Q9. Can anyone learn it?
Yes—many MRHS volunteers teach basic CW at the event; there are also online resources year-round.

Q10. How long has it run?
First celebrated in 2000; Night of Nights XXVI falls on July 12, 2025.

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Conclusion

Night of Nights is more than nostalgia; it’s an educational celebration, a hands-on living history, and a heartfelt tribute to the telegraphers who tirelessly connected ships and shores. By firing up KPH, KFS, and K6KPH every July 12, MRHS keeps that heritage audible—symbolizing perseverance, community, and maritime safety’s human legacy. This yearly CW revival lets everyone feel the rhythm of history, fostering engagement across generations. As long as volunteers key the code by hand, nothing about maritime Morse truly dies. Each Night of Nights brightens the legacy of that final beep over two decades ago.

 

 

 

 

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