Bell begins a series of public demonstrations…

Bell begins a series of public demonstrations and lectures to introduce the new invention to the scientific community as well as the general public.

Only one day later, his demonstration of an early telephone prototype at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia makes the telephone the featured headline worldwide.

Influential visitors to the exhibition include Emperor Pedro II of Brazil, and later Bell will have the opportunity to demonstrate the invention personally to renowned Scottish scientist William Thomson.

Queen Victoria, conducting a private audience at Osborne House, her Isle of Wight home, will call the Bell’s demonstration "most extraordinary".

The enthusiasm surrounding Bell's public displays lays the groundwork for universal acceptance of the revolutionary device.