LICW and Renaissance of Morse Code

Presented by Howard Bernstein, WB2UZE, Don Zvareck, KC0DWZ, Anne Dirkman, KC9YL, Katie Campbell, KE8LQR, and Bob Cady, W7JNM, at Hamvention 2025.

The presenter, one of the founders of the Long Island CW Club, introduced this session at the Dayton Hamvention by diving into the resurgence of Morse code and the club’s role in that movement. Joined by instructors and students alike, the team outlined the historical significance of Morse code in communication—from its early days in maritime and military use to its present-day relevance in portable and emergency operations. What began as a local effort to train more CW operators for Field Day in 2017 has evolved into a global community of thousands, united by a shared passion for CW and an innovative curriculum tailored to adult learners.

The presentation also covered how the club rebuilt its teaching method from the ground up, inspired by historical documents and guided by Ludwig Koch’s research. Attendees heard about the development of a new character sequence based on actual communication use, not outdated aptitude testing. The session wrapped with moving examples of the club’s inclusive culture—highlighting support for operators with disabilities, the growth of a strong youth program, and a unique haptic device enabling CW learning through vibration. With a focus on respect, community-driven leadership, and accessible education, the Long Island CW Club continues to redefine what modern Morse code instruction can be.