02/13/2026
ARRL[1] The National Association for Amateur Radio¿ is inviting radio clubs to
participate in the second annual Ham Radio Open House[2] in April. Hosting an
Open House gives clubs and schools the opportunity to promote amateur radio
science and technology by opening their stations to the public and showcasing
their hi-tech gear and operating skills.
In addition, clubs are encouraged to set up in public places or conduct outdoor
activities, such as a Parks on the Air (POTA) activations or satellite operating
demonstrations. The event centers around World Amateur Radio Day on Saturday,
April 18, but clubs may schedule an open house at any time during the month.
Ham Radio Open House highlights the Amateur Radio Service as a platform for
developing and practicing modern radio communications technology, and as a
hands-on pathway into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
fields for the next generation. The event offers clubs the chance to reshape
perceptions of amateur radio and demonstrate how it serves as a steppingstone
and testbed for young people pursuing STEM education and high-tech careers.
As ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA, writes in his March QST editorial, "the notion
of hams sitting in Grandpa's basement listening to tube radios is quickly
dispelled when visitors see a modern transceiver and computer being used to work
the world!"
Clubs are encouraged to demonstrate the latest digital modes, such as FT8 using
WSJT-X. This is an excellent opportunity to explore emerging areas of amateur
radio and show how the service remains at the forefront of wireless innovation.
For example, visitors might see a Software-Defined Radio (SDR) waterfall
display, hear the corresponding signal, and watch the decoded message appear on
screen - a powerful demonstration of how modern amateur radio works.
World Amateur Radio Day, observed annually on April 18, is celebrated worldwide
by radio amateurs and their national associations, organized as member-societies
of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). It was on this day in 1925 that
the IARU was formed in Paris. American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Co-Founder
Hiram Percy Maxim was its first president.
The inaugural ARRL Ham Radio Open House last year coincided with IARU's
centennial celebrations. This year's activity is part of ARRL's "Year of the
Club" theme.
Clubs should watch for additional resources to help organize and promote their
events. An interactive, map-based Ham Radio Open House Locator is available.
Find details at www.arrl.org/world-amateur-radio-day[3].
About ARRL¿
ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio¿ was founded in 1914 as The
American Radio Relay League, and is a noncommercial organization of radio
amateurs. ARRL's mission is to promote and protect the art, science, and
enjoyment of amateur radio, and to develop the next generation of radio
amateurs. ARRL supports members with opportunities to discover radio, to develop
new skills, and to serve their local communities. ARRL's youth initiatives
include programs to inspire students and advance STEM education through amateur
radio, and to encourage pathways to higher education and careers in wireless
communications and related technical fields. ARRL is also the Secretariat of the
International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). For more information about ARRL and
amateur radio, visit www.arrl.org/world-amateur-radio-day[4].
[1] https://www.arrl.org/
[2] https://www.arrl.org/world-amateur-radio-day
[3] https://www.arrl.org/world-amateur-radio-day
[4] https://www.arrl.org/world-amateur-radio-day
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