31 Jul
2010
31 Jul
'10
12:59 a.m.
Date: Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:50:20 -0700
From: jws at jwsss.com
To:
Subject: Re: retr0brite not so right?
On 7/30/2010 9:07 AM, Richard wrote:
I am interested in any ideas, and models for technology museums.
Currently, I am working with some guys on a project we call VintageTek, a museum of
Tektronix, the technology, innovations and personalities that, without glorification on my
part, created, or enabled modern electronics.
We are aware of Boston Computer Museum and others, and its easy to make that a destination
to see the evolution of computing in general across several companies. Were not sure that
a museum dedicated to one company, Tek, and oscilloscopes (along with its original
engineering workstations and computer graphics systems) will be a success on its own.
Any curators out there care to throw in a few thoughts and stories, of how you made a go
of it?
Thanks,
Randy
I guess this conversation is drifting a little
bit.
However, I think it is coming around to a point that we've discussed
before, namely whether or not machines should be put under glass and
simply viewed, or whether they should be available to the public to
experience directly.
For what I'm trying to do with my collection, I want to present the
hands-on experience as much as possible. This isn't always feasible
with particularly rare items like a SAGE console, for instance. In
the case of the SAGE my plan was to create a replica console that is
safe for a "hands on" experience. I ultimately have planned a
terminal room where people can try out the various terminals in my
collection, both printing and screen based.
The model in my head for what I want to do is more Exploratorium than
Louvre.
Does that make sense?
If I created such a "computer graphics exploratorium" would I be
shunned by the professional museum people because I let people
actually touch the artifacts?
I think that would be wonderful, but hopefully not from one of a kind
specimens. As I said I
want to make one of my donations for "lookie-feely" and one for actual
research, etc. I don't
think that is feasible for a full sized minicomputer. For terminals
which are stable and restored,
it would be.
I assume you are talking a private setting as well, since open public
displays that museums have
to put on simply can't filter the spectators to be sure they won't do
stupid things. Kids being
dragged screaming thru an "exploratorium" kicking and screaming must be
dealt with mixed in
with the ones who will appreciate what you are presenting in your setting.