Early Age Of Wireless Is Topic Of Film At InfoAge Museum In Wall

WALL, N.J. — A preview screening of a documentary about the early age of wireless technology, plus a director Q&A, will take place on Saturday, May 21, at the Marconi Historic Site here.

InfoAge Science and History Museums and the Tesla Science Institute will present a preview of "Invisible Threads: From Wireless to War," beginning at 7 p.m. in the Marconi Ball Room at the museum.

Organizers say the documentary "delves into the early development of wireless technology on the eve of World War I that connected inventors Nikola Tesla and Guglielmo Marconi to a shadowy radio station in West Sayville, N.Y. called Telefunken. As they all competed for radio supremacy, Telefunken was using their plant to send nefarious communications to Germany."

Ten years of research uncovers new links to Telefunken’s role as a communications hub for an international spy ring that was engaged in subversion and sabotage, including suspected spying that led to the sinking of the Lusitania, a prelude to America's involvement in the war, the organizers say.

The film is directed by New York filmmaker/researcher Joseph Sikorski, whose 2015 documentary "Tower to the People: Tesla’s Dream at Wardenclyffe Continues" was selected for the Core Collection of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. In addition to Marconi’s work in the state, "invisible Threads" features Westfield's Charles Emory Apgar, who helped expose messages emanating from Telefunken in 1915 through a home built wireless system.

Following the screening, Sikorski will participate in a live Q&A session, organizers said.

According to Tesla Science Institute President Samuel Mason, the preview of "Invisible Threads" "is a perfect fit for InfoAge, which is dedicated to the preservation of New Jersey’s rich communications, computer and electronic technology and history."

The events will take place at the InfoAge Science & History Museums, 2201 Marconi Road, here.

Purchase tickets at EventBrite for $22.