Parks on the Air

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

Saturday, June 8, 2024   9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The Coconino Amateur Radio Club will be onsite with radios and antennas, participating in a Parks on the Air event with local amateur radio operators contacting stations from near and far, from local, to state, and worldwide.  Park visitors are invited to try their hand at contacting stations under the supervision of licensed HAM operators.  Learn about amateur radio, the contributions Arthur Riordan made to the growth and development of Flagstaff, and have fun talking to stations from around the state, the US and around the world.  You can even try your hand at Morse Code - learn how to send your own name. 

In 1925, Arthur Riordan, son of Michael Riordan, aided Mary Costigan in the development  of KFXY, the first commercial radio station in Flagstaff.  Arthur, an avid HAM radio enthusiast and an expert in the early years of radio science, provided knowledge and equipment needed to establish KFXY, installing it in the Orpheum Theater where Mary was owner/manager.  On December 10, 1925, KFXY was on the air a few hours a day, using 10 watts power, a little more than a nightlight.  As most residents did not have a home radio, speakers were hung from the buildings in Flagstaff so people on the street could hear the broadcast.  Without Arthur’s radio expertise, KFXY would not have made that first broadcast.

This event is free with paid park admission.