Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

On the Air

Bascom Hill Historic District

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, August 4, 2024

1. On the Air Marker

Inscription. In 1919, a group of students and professors gathered in the basement of Sterling Hall to transmit some of the earliest educational programming over the airwaves. Their regular broadcasts became the foundation of WHA, one of the oldest radio stations in continuous operation in the United States. A pioneer in using this new medium to teach its listeners, the station aired lectures, lessons and the world's first on-air sing-along, led in 1922 by Edgar "Pop" Gordon. For decades, it brought the university into the households of thousands around the state and nation.

Erected by UW Foundation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Communications • Education • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the University of Wisconsin series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1919.

Location. 43° 4.57′ N, 89° 24.102′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. It is on Observatory Drive near North Park Street, on the left when traveling west. The marker is on the north side of Radio Hall, adjacent to Science Hall. Touch for map.

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Marker is at or near this postal address: 975 Observatory Drive, Madison WI 53706, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Wisconsin. It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Science Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Leaders in Science (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Stage for All (about 300 feet away); The American Character (about 300 feet away); Robert E. Gard Memorial Storyteller's Circle (about 400 feet away); Rasmus Björn Anderson (about 400 feet away); Natural Wonders (about 400 feet away); North Hall (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. The nearby 9XM-WHA marker.

Photographed by William J. Toman, June 17, 2010

2. On the Air Marker

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, August 4, 2024

3. On the Air Marker

The marker is north of Radio Hall along Observatory Drive.

Sterling Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William J. Toman

4. Sterling Hall

Photographed by William J. Toman, June 17, 2010

5. Bascom Hill

The heart of the University of Wisconsin, with Bascom Hall at the top.

View from Bascom Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William J. Toman, June 17, 2010

6. View from Bascom Hall

The State Capitol as seen from the top of Bascom Hill. State Street links state government and the state university.

9XM Talking: WHA Radio and the Wisconsin Idea image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou

7. 9XM Talking: WHA Radio and the Wisconsin Idea

Book written in 2006 by Randall Davidson on the topic of WHA Radio.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,135 times since then and 35 times this year. Last updated on August 11, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. Photos: 1. submitted on August 11, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 2. submitted on June 18, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on August 11, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 18, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 7. submitted on August 11, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.