Save the Marconi Towers of Battle Harbour
- Ham Radio World
- Apr 2
- 3 min read

Attention, radio amateurs worldwide!
Battle Harbour, a small island in Labrador, needs our help!
📡 IOTA NA-044
And for once, you don’t need to open your wallet!
A symbol of history and the power of wireless technology, the Marconi Towers of Battle Harbour have connected communities for nearly a century. Now, they need our votes to remain standing for future generations!
The Next Great Save contest, organized by the National Trust for Canada, empowers communities to protect heritage sites, awarding a Grand Prize of $50,000 sponsored by Ecclesiastical.
These towers connect modern radio amateurs with the pioneers who shaped the hobby and wireless technology. Just as today’s operators continue to push the limits of communication, preserving these towers can inspire future innovations. They serve as a reminder of how far we’ve come and how radio technology has evolved. Future generations of engineers, hobbyists, and technologists can learn from the past to shape the future.
The Marconi Towers of Battle Harbour are the last remaining structures of their kind in North America, and possibly in the world. These towers helped break the isolation of this remote area, transmitting historic messages—including Admiral Robert Peary’s 1909 announcement of his expedition to the North Pole, revolutionizing communication. However, time and climate change have placed them in grave danger.
After withstanding over a century of brutal storms, their structural integrity is now under threat from increasingly extreme weather conditions. This project aims not only to preserve the towers but also to promote sustainability, craftsmanship, and education. By using eco-friendly restoration techniques and involving historians, local communities, and youth, we seek to ensure their legacy endures. Your vote will help protect this irreplaceable monument and inspire future generations.
Project Impact
Restoring the Marconi Towers of Battle Harbour will strengthen community ties and provide a unique educational opportunity for visitors. Standing as coastal sentinels, these towers offer a direct link to history, showcasing how vital communication was in connecting remote communities with the outside world.
This project fosters collaboration with historians and local residents, ensuring an inclusive and comprehensive interpretation of the site. Young people will gain hands-on experience in heritage conservation, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern restoration techniques.
Local engineering firms will contribute expertise, reinforcing the towers’ structural integrity with sustainable materials and advanced conservation methods. The project will also boost the local economy by increasing heritage tourism while supporting environmentally responsible businesses. By integrating green restoration practices, we aim to protect the towers from further decay while preserving their historical authenticity.
Your vote can help save this monument, enriching the community and ensuring its story is told for generations to come.
About This Historic Site
Nestled along Labrador’s rugged coast, the Marconi Towers of Battle Harbour stand as a remarkable testament to early global communication history. Built in 1904 as part of Newfoundland’s wireless network, they played a crucial role in maritime safety and international messaging. In 1909, the towers transmitted Admiral Robert Peary’s announcement of his successful North Pole expedition, gaining worldwide recognition.
Once a bustling fishing village and a key stop for North Atlantic ships, Battle Harbour is now a National Historic District, offering visitors a glimpse into the past through well-preserved buildings and cultural experiences. The Marconi Towers symbolize technological progress, connecting this remote community to the world.
Despite surviving over a century of extreme weather, these towers now face serious threats from climate change and structural degradation. Without intervention, we risk losing a monument that represents Canada’s pioneering contributions to global communication.
Our goal is to restore the towers using sustainable materials and skilled craftsmanship, ensuring they remain a vital part of Battle Harbour’s heritage. With your support, we can preserve this historic site and create an inspiring space for education and discovery.
🔹 For more information, visit the Battle Harbour Historic Trust Facebook page and don’t forget to vote!
Thank you,Edmondo - VA3ITA
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