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- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every July 12
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Night of Nights is observed every July 12, marking the anniversary of the last commercial Morse code transmission in the U.S. This day invites enthusiasts to listen as the historic KPH radio station returns to the air, sending signals by hand. Tune in to experience a piece of communication history and connect with fellow radio aficionados.
Want to sponsor Night of Nights? Learn how
Expected Night of Nights Deals
While commercial deals are rare for Night of Nights, enthusiasts can find special promotions on amateur radio equipment, vintage telegraph keys, and educational resources from specialty retailers. Look for discounts on books about Morse code history or radio communication from online stores. We will update this page with confirmed live events and any related offers as July 12 approaches.
Platform Guide for Night of Nights
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NightOfNights. Share videos demonstrating Morse code, vintage radio equipment, or the history of telegraphy.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NightOfNights. Post photos of your radio setup, historical artifacts, or events at the Point Reyes National Seashore.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #NightOfNights. Share real-time updates from KPH transmissions, historical facts, or connect with other radio operators.
Night of Nights Hero
Samuel Morse
History of Night of Nights
Morse code radio stations were once scattered along the U.S. coastline, all communicating with ships at sea. Maritime mobile bands were populated with powerful stations operating from almost every country on every continent. Trade ships and passenger liners filled the air with their radiograms. These radiotelegraph operators worked tirelessly, even more so when a ship was in danger. Using the three most recognizable letters in radio, S.O.S., they knew their fellow radio operators would listen closely to hear every detail and bring help to the troubled ship. Now, these bands are mostly silent with the advent of satellite technology.
On the same day that the final Morse transmission was sent, Tom Horsfall and Richard Dillman formed the Maritime Radio Historical Society (M.R.H.S.) to keep the history of maritime radio alive. They visited the K.P.H. transmit-and-receive sites in Bolinas and Point Reyes, which were miraculously still intact despite being closed for two years. The receivers were still on, maintaining a watch on the Morse calling channels. They knew then that they must restore and operate K.P.H. as a way to honor the men and women who, for 100 years, had made the profession of radio telegrapher one of honor and skill. Fortunately, they convinced the National Park Service, where the Point Reyes station site was located, to give them the go-ahead.
Now, not only has K.P.H. returned to the air but so have several stations such as K.S.M., K.F.S., and K6KPH. Through the dedication of the volunteers at M.R.H.S., honoring the memory of the men and women of wireless is made possible year after year.
Night of Nights timeline
Samuel F. B. Morse, the inventor of the Morse code is born.
The first U.S. Morse code message is sent.
The International Conference on Morse code decides that the letters ‘S.O.S.’ become the standard distress signal.
The last Morse code transmission in the U.S. is aired.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Night of Nights
Local electronics stores or hobby shops can host Morse code learning sessions or display vintage radio equipment to attract enthusiasts. Museums and historical societies can offer special exhibits or guided tours focusing on communication history. Even coffee shops could play a recording of Morse code in the background or offer themed drinks to acknowledge the day.
Night of Nights FAQs
When is Night of Nights?
Night of Nights 2026 falls on a Sunday, July 12. This annual event commemorates the last U.S. commercial Morse code transmission.
When was the last commercial Morse code transmission in the U.S.?
The last commercial Morse code transmission in the U.S. occurred on July 12, 1999. This historic event marked the end of an era for a communication method that had been vital for over a century.
How many amateur radio operators are there in the U.S.?
As of late 2024, there are approximately 780,000 licensed amateur radio operators in the United States. This community continues to grow, embracing both modern digital modes and traditional skills like Morse code.
What is the significance of the KPH radio station?
KPH is a historic Morse code radio station located at Point Reyes National Seashore in California. It was the site of the last commercial Morse code transmission in the U.S. and is now preserved by the Maritime Radio Historical Society.
Night of Nights Activities
Go to the receiving station
Get to where the action is! Watch and listen as the long and short beeps are translated by skilled radio telegraphers into weather forecasts, press releases, and special commemorative messages to mark the day.
Call in
Lucky enough to be on a boat? Calling in from a ship at sea makes you feel as if the golden age of maritime radio has returned.
Throw a nautical-themed party
Start at 5:01 pm and ends at midnight — the same time the Morse code signal transmission is set to go on air. Dress in white with blue or red stripes. Serve some seafood and let the rum flow!
5 Fascinating Facts About The First Morse Code Message
The message was ‘What hath God wrought’
It was from the Bible’s Book of Numbers, 23:23, and recorded on a paper tape.
A girl suggested it
Credit goes to Annie Ellsworth, the young daughter of a friend of Morse.
It was sent from Washington to Baltimore
It traveled 40 miles from the Old Supreme Court Chamber in the U.S. Capitol to the Mount Clare Station of the Baltimore railroad.
It was from Morse to Alfred Vail
Morse sent it to his fellow inventor Alfred Vail, who helped him to develop American telegraphy between 1837 to 1844.
Date of the first message
The first message was sent on May 24, 1844.
Why We Love Night of Nights
It makes radio geeks happy
Anything that gets geeks to rejoice is always a good thing. Join in and see if it can convert you too!
It reminds us of a simpler time
It harks back to a time when traveling was romantic and receiving messages from far away filled us with wonder. Things weren’t as instant as they are today, which only served to increase the longing.
It keeps alive a maritime radio practice
It preserves a part of maritime radio history. Do some research and see what other wonders you can unearth about maritime history.
Social Media Tips for Night of Nights
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