March 14, 2025 – The entire collection of long time telephone collector Phil McCarter of Salem, OR (also known as SXSPhil) will be moving to the Connections Museum. Most fans of telephony know of the awesome museum in Seattle, WA with their collection of switching equipment (Panel, #1XB, #5XB, DMS-10, 3ESS, etc.) and how much they are preserving telephone history for the next generation. Phil has worked a deal with the Connections Museum in Denver to house his collection of switching equipment (including one of the two fully functioning #3XB switches in the country) in a new building in Denver.
Phil posted the following to several groups on Facebook this week about the news:
“For the few that has heard the news, The connections museum will be opening up a Denver CO location. All of my switching and phones will be relocated there. For those that want to know why I’m letting go of my collection is as following. @ 2+ years ago, I almost died, I have not recovered 100 % close but not all the way, for 40+ years I’ve had serious knee troubles thanks to High school staff, I was injured during P E and it was not properly dealt with. It’s becoming difficult for me to take care of a large property with lots of buildings and yard to maintain, and my Wife wants to move. at 60+ it’s time to let go.
Now it will be saved and not sold off 1 item at time or scraped. Yes, I’m sad to let it go but I also happy to see it move to a public location and live on longer. Thanks to all who has seen it and enjoyed it. As of May 1st, we start to take it apart, so if anyone wants to see it you have until then. I live 5 miles east of I-5 south of Salem Oregon, the connections group are looking for volunteers to help, Contact the if you want to help. Phil”
Sarah at the Connections Museum in Seattle announced it in a video a few days ago: