In October of 1877 Edison invented the phonograph - several months later in 1878 he made his first production model and this is it!  When you think of all that is recorded today - records, CDs, tapes, disks etc... and this machine was "The First" in the concept - WOW.

Transcript

What you are about to hear by J. Rickford curator of the Poor Richard's Preservation Studio was recorded on March 15, 1999 on Thomas Edison's tin foil phonograph made in 1878.
Poor Richard Says...
I want to preserve your keepsake possession,
Possibly add a touch of your impression
And recreate your family treasure
For your contemporary use and artistic pleasure.

Now I'd like you and your friends to enjoy our web site!

WAV file, 1MB, recommended for IBM-Compatibles

Listen to a music box from 1895