SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention, Science museum in Bellingham, United States

SPARK Museum is a science museum in Bellingham that showcases the development of electrical technology from ancient times through the mid-20th century. The collection includes working original devices, scientific instruments, and historical machines that visitors can explore directly in their arranged spaces.

The museum began in 1985 as Bellingham resident Jonathan Winter's informal collection of radio sets, spare parts, schematics, recordings and vintage manuals. By 1998 it was formally established as the Bellingham Antique Radio Museum, built around more than 800 radios from Winter's collection. In 2001 it moved into a 23,000-square-foot facility, took the name American Museum of Radio and Electricity, and retired Microsoft executive John Jenkins became co-curator, adding his own devices and rare books. It was renamed SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention in 2012.

The museum runs KMRE-LP, a low-power Bellingham radio station licensed in 2006 that draws on its media collection, from cylinder recordings of 1888 to the golden age of radio, and carries local programmes with a cultural or historical bent. Its Science Saturday classes, summer camps and lectures cover static electricity, magnetism, motors, circuits and crystal radios.

The museum is open several days a week and features regular interactive demonstrations with real electrical equipment. Visitors should plan time to explore the exhibits and watch for live demonstrations where equipment is shown in action.

The museum maintains a collection of rare printed works on scientific subjects that are several centuries old. These books come from renowned scientists and show how ideas were recorded and passed down.