Boston University Celebrates 150 Years Since Alexander Graham Bell's Telephone Invention

Bell was a BU faculty member on paid leave when he changed the world with his famous experiment.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Alexander Graham Bell, a Boston University faculty member, invented the telephone 150 years ago in 1876 while on paid leave from the university. Bell's relationship with the deaf community is controversial, as he opposed intermarriage between deaf people and advocated for oral-only teaching methods. Despite this, Bell's invention of the telephone is considered one of the most important innovations in history, and BU is honoring the anniversary of this milestone.

Why it matters

The telephone is one of the most transformative inventions in history, and its origins at Boston University highlight the university's role in fostering groundbreaking innovations. However, Bell's complex relationship with the deaf community complicates his legacy and raises important questions about the ethics of his views and actions.

The details

Bell was a professor at BU's School of Oratory, teaching courses on voice and speech. In 1873, at age 26, he was hired by the university. While on paid leave from BU, Bell conducted experiments that led to the invention of the telephone in 1876. His assistant, Thomas Watson, was the first to hear Bell's voice through the device. Bell also conceived of the photophone, an early precursor to fiber-optic communications.

  • In 1873, Bell was hired as a professor at Boston University's School of Oratory.
  • On June 1875, Bell and his assistant Thomas Watson conducted experiments in the attic of a building on Court Street in Boston that led to the invention of the telephone.
  • On March 10, 1876, Bell and Watson had the first successful telephone transmission, with Watson hearing Bell's voice clearly.
  • On January 25, 1915, Bell made the first transcontinental telephone call, speaking to his assistant Watson in San Francisco from New York City.
  • Bell died on August 2, 1922, and telephone service across the US and Canada was stopped for one minute during his funeral to honor him.

The players

Alexander Graham Bell

An inventor who was a professor at Boston University's School of Oratory when he invented the telephone in 1876.

Thomas Watson

Bell's assistant who was the first to hear Bell's voice through the telephone device.

Lewis B. Monroe

The dean and founding head of BU's School of Oratory, who granted Bell a paid leave to focus on his research that led to the telephone invention.

Charles Sumner Tainter

Bell's assistant who worked with him on the invention of the photophone, an early precursor to fiber-optic communications.

Avrum Spira

The current holder of the Alexander Graham Bell Professorship of Health Care Entrepreneurship at Boston University.

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What they’re saying

“I count it as a great honor, to have belonged to Boston University. It was while I was connected with the school that all the work was done on the telephone.”

— Alexander Graham Bell

“Without his help, I would not have been able to get along at all.”

— Alexander Graham Bell

“Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you.”

— Alexander Graham Bell

“It will take me five days to get there now!”

— Thomas Watson, Bell's assistant

“Gentlemen, these things which I have described are the by-products of my work in your institution, and were made possible because of the encouragement of your university.”

— Alexander Graham Bell

What’s next

Boston University is planning a series of events and exhibits throughout 2026 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Alexander Graham Bell's invention of the telephone.

The takeaway

The invention of the telephone at Boston University was a groundbreaking moment in history, but Bell's complex relationship with the deaf community highlights the need to critically examine the legacies of influential figures. As BU celebrates this milestone, it must also grapple with the ethical implications of Bell's views and actions.