• H O W T O D O N A T E •
HOW AND WHAT TO DONATE
We focus on two areas: (1) personal computers from 1982 and earlier and their ecosystem (peripherals, storage devices, terminals, software, manuals, packaging), and (2) analog computing systems and modules (patch panels, function generators, plug-ins, cables, documentation, lab gear). Priority donations include complete or near-complete systems, original media/boxes, and materials with known provenance or a short “origin story.” Working condition would be nice but, given our our focus on 1982 & before, is neither required or even expected.
We also actively collect the culture of computing: photos, ads, newsletters, conference proceedings, posters, company-branded items (ashtrays, coffee mugs, badges, shirts, trade-show swag), and internal or promotional pieces that reveal how people encountered computers in everyday life. If you’re unsure whether something fits, send us a description and any background you have—we are happy to advise.
Computers:
We appreciate donations of computers and related materials that are from 1982 and earlier. We acknowledge all donations, unless otherwise requested by the donor, on our website and with the display information for those items on display.
Magazines, Books, Documents:
This collection is meant to be an educational tool, therefore we are looking for information sources (especially primary source information) whether it be from letters, magazines, pamphlets or other documents. We also will be making audio recordings from those individuals who were involved in the development of personal computing.
Odds & Ends:
This is not a normal category for museums but we do not want to focus on just the computers but to show visitors how people used computers:- programmers were notorious smokers and coffee drinkers so we have period-correct ashtrays & coffee mugs used to advertise specific brands (for instance an ashtray from the IBM Employees Credit Union),
- we have a teddybear wearing a Computer Associates store employee vest and lots of "computer" boardgames,
- the desk and chairs from Herman Hollerith's study (along with the trunk he took to Paris where he won a Gold Medal for his new Electric Tabulating Machine),
- a lava-lamp from the late 1970s...just to set the mood,
- a student slate-board from the 1860s to remind us a pre-computer era,
- you get the idea, use your imagination...whatever helps tell the story of the people who used computers,
Time:
We are looking for volunteers who can help us with many of the time-consuming tasks related to maintaining our collection and our building. If you wish to volunteer...anything from research to cleaning, feel free to contact us.
Financial:
As with any nonprofit organization, we appreciate any monetary donations that you might wish to make. Remember, because we are a 501(c)3 nonprofit, your donations are tax deductible. Make sure checks are made out to "Computer History Learning Center" to match our IRS formal name.
Information:
You can also contribute through our StoryTeller's section (coming next Spring) and sharing your own stories and/or opinions on the history of computing.
Our Thanks to:
Mark Burnley, Philip M Cohen, Valerie Christensen, Mark Greenia, Richard Hirsch, Tommie Lee, Jack Arnold Smith, Dr. Mark Woyshville and many others.
