Draft:Wireless History Foundation

The Wireless History Foundation (WHF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of the wireless industry. It acts as a repository for the documentation of artifacts significant to the development and growth of the industry and serves as a resource for industry professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts.

WHF was formally launched on October 13, 2008, which was also the 25th anniversary of the commercial deployment of cellular service in the United States.

Mission and Aims
The WHF's mission is to collect, record, and archive the rich history of the wireless industry. Ensuring that the stories of the innovations and innovators who shaped this dynamic field are not lost to time but rather recorded and retained for future generations.

Initiatives
The WHF identifies historical materials and insights, curates them, and provides access to researchers and institutions.

It engages in various archival activities, ensuring that documents, interviews, and other media related to wireless history are preserved.

The WHF also facilitates seminars, webinars, and discussions, bringing together industry pioneers and experts to share their knowledge and experiences.

Wireless Hall of Fame
One of the most significant initiatives of the WHF is the Wireless Hall of Fame Awards. This award recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions and career achievements in the wireless industry. This prestigious recognition acknowledges the leadership, innovation, and achievements of every inductee. Those honored are chosen by a selection committee through a nomination process and celebrated at the annual Wireless Hall of Fame Awards Dinner.

Scholarship Program
The Wireless History Foundation Scholarship Program supports graduate students and promotes careers in the wireless arena. This annual scholarship is awarded to qualified students who are pursuing an advanced degree in an area of wireless communication which includes technology, law, policy, communications, and engineering.

Timeline
As a part of its historical annotation, the WHF website, www.wireless history foundation.org, curates an interactive timeline detailing the complex lineage of cellular. Beginning with the first wireless telegraph system in 1896, the Wireless History Timeline continues into the present day, with videos, photos, links and references to make the history of wireless easily accessible to all.

Spark Award
Established in 2023, the Spark Award honors both individuals and companies, and recognizes innovation in wireless and their potential to affect the direction of wireless networks, products, and services. These recipients are recognized during the annual Wireless Hall of Fame awards dinner.

Digital Archives Project
The WHF also keeps a growing digital archive. The goal of the collection being to preserve materials that helped grow and develop the cellular industry. Items accepted into the achieve include (but aren't limited to) photographs, video, audio tapes, system designs, etc.