The phone rang and the world changed.

That call, made in 1877 to the home of Charles Williams Jr in East Somerville was the world’s first phone call to a residence.

This year, that “first” is the inspiration for the Somerville Museum’s annual fundraiser PICK UP! on Thursday, September 10 from 6 to 8 pm at the Crystal Ballroom in Davis Square.

Somerville’s own Jimmy Tingle (pun intended!) will entertain and emcee the evening, Brazilian Dance Ensemble, Sambaviva, will dance to a series of telephone “numbers”, and TJ the DJ will keep the lines open with music throughout the evening.  Enjoy cocktails, appetizers, interactive telephone exhibits, and lots of opportunities to connect with old friends and make some new.

Proceeds will support the Somerville Museum, the city’s non-profit, membership-supported museum located on Central Street at Westwood Rd.  The museum highlights the city’s art, history, people and neighborhoods with a year-round program of workshops, exhibitions and special events. The Museum’s annual fundraiser celebrates the work of the past year using the telephone to highlight our connection to the past and present, culminating in “Let Freedom Ring,” a public art project featuring Somerville stories of freedom across 250 years of American history.

To learn more about the museum, its ongoing events, and to buy tickets please go to the website somervillemuseum.org.

Pick up your phone to invite your friends to join you for a fun evening to support an important Somerville institution!