South Jersey Radio Association
Oldest continuously operating amateur radio club in the United States.
The South Jersey Radio Association (SJRA) is an amateur radio club that has been operating continuously since its founding on June 12, 1916, making it the oldest such club in the United States. It has been an affiliate of the American Radio Relay League since 1920. The club runs two repeaters: the K2AA on 145.290 MHz in Medford, New Jersey, covering the Philadelphia metro area, and the K2UK in Pine Hill, New Jersey, operating on both 146.865 MHz (2 meters) and 442.350 MHz (70 centimeters). For more than half a century, the SJRA has published a monthly newsletter called *Harmonics*. The club offers two awards to the wider amateur radio community. The VHF Colonial Award requires proof of two-way direct contact with each of the original Thirteen Colonies on frequencies of 50 MHz or higher. The South Jersey Radio Association Achievement Certificate is awarded to operators who provide proof of two-way contact with at least 50 of the SJRA’s members.
- Founded
- June 12, 1916
- Arrl affiliation
- Since 1920
- Repeater (k2aa)
- 145.290 MHz, 2 meters, Medford, New Jersey
- Repeater (k2uk)
- 146.865 MHz (2 meters) and 442.350 MHz (70 cm), Pine Hill, New Jersey
- Newsletter
- Harmonics (published for over 50 years)
Lore & Background
The South Jersey Radio Association was first organized on June 12, 1916, and has been affiliated with the American Radio Relay League since 1920. It lays claim to being the oldest continuously operating amateur radio club in the United States. The club operates two repeaters: the K2AA 2-meter repeater on 145.290 MHz, located in Medford, New Jersey, covering the Philadelphia metropolitan area, and the K2UK repeater in Pine Hill, New Jersey, on 146.865 MHz (2 meters) and 442.350 MHz (70 cm band). For over 50 years, SJRA has published a monthly newsletter titled Harmonics.
Reader's Guide
The South Jersey Radio Association's significance lies in its continuous operation since 1916, making it a claimant to the title of oldest continuously operating amateur radio club in the United States. Its long affiliation with the American Radio Relay League since 1920 underscores its role within the broader amateur radio community. The club maintains two repeaters that serve the Philadelphia metropolitan area and surrounding regions, providing communication infrastructure for local operators. SJRA also contributes to the hobby through two awards: the VHF Colonial Award, which requires two-way direct contact with each of the original Thirteen Colonies on frequencies of 50 MHz or above, and the South Jersey Radio Association Achievement Certificate, awarded for contacting at least 50 of the club's members. The monthly newsletter Harmonics, published for over 50 years, reflects the club's sustained engagement with its membership and the wider amateur radio field.
Did You Know?
- SJRA operates the K2AA repeater on 145.290 MHz in Medford, New Jersey.
- SJRA has published its monthly newsletter Harmonics for over 50 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is South Jersey Radio Association?
The South Jersey Radio Association is an amateur radio club based in New Jersey that has operated without interruption since its founding on June 12, 1916. It holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating amateur radio club in the United States.
Is South Jersey Radio Association affiliated with the ARRL?
Yes, the club has been an affiliate of the American Radio Relay League since 1920, just four years after it was first organized.
What is Harmonics and how long has SJRA published it?
Harmonics is the SJRA's monthly newsletter that the club has been producing for more than fifty years. It has served as a steady source of information for members and the local ham radio community throughout that span.
Why is South Jersey Radio Association important to amateur radio history?
Because it has maintained continuous operation since 1916, it stands as the longest-running amateur radio club in the country. Its nearly century of unbroken activity makes it a living link to the earliest days of the hobby in the United States.
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