Just a short drive from the Ohio Valley stands one of the most important broadcasting landmarks in American history — the former Voice of America Bethany Relay Station in West Chester, Ohio.
Originally constructed during World War II, the massive facility was built in 1944 to send American news and information across Europe, Africa, and South America through powerful shortwave radio transmissions. The station became a critical communications hub during both World War II and the Cold War, helping spread factual news to millions living under oppressive regimes.
The site was developed with help from legendary Cincinnati broadcasting pioneer Powel Crosley Jr., whose engineering teams built some of the most powerful transmitters in the world at the time. The inland Ohio location was specifically chosen to protect the station from potential coastal attacks during the war.
Today, the historic Art Deco-style building is home to the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting, where visitors can explore decades of radio and television history. The museum features vintage microphones, classic radios, broadcasting equipment, interactive exhibits, and even opportunities for guests to experience what it feels like to be a radio DJ.
The Bethany Station officially operated from 1944 until the mid-1990s before being decommissioned as newer satellite technologies replaced large shortwave facilities. Preservation efforts later transformed the property into a museum and educational destination dedicated to the history of broadcasting and free communication.
Historians say the station once transmitted “truthful news” into areas controlled by Nazi Germany and later communist-controlled regions during the Cold War. According to historical accounts, Adolf Hitler reportedly referred to the broadcasts as coming from the “Cincinnati Liars.”
Today, the museum continues preserving the legacy of radio broadcasting and the role Ohio played in helping connect the world through the power of communication.
