Rhode Island Computer Museum facts for kids
A CRAY supercomputer from the RICM collection
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| Established | 1999 |
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| Location | Warwick, Rhode Island |
| Type | Computer museum |
The Rhode Island Computer Museum is a special place in Warwick, Rhode Island, USA. It's a museum that collects and shows off old computers and digital technology. The museum wants to save the history of how computers grew. This helps inspire young people who are interested in technology.
The museum's main goal is to find and keep everything about computer science and its past. They also share knowledge and encourage learning about computers. They do this through visits, talks, and publications.
Contents
History of the Museum
How the Museum Started
The idea for the museum began in 1996. A group of friends, who were part of a British sports car club, started talking. They felt that an old computer museum in Boston wasn't doing enough. It wasn't teaching or inspiring future generations about where computers came from.
Becoming an Official Museum
Because of this, the friends decided to create their own museum. The Rhode Island Computer Museum officially became a non-profit organization in 1999. This meant it was set up to help the public.
Expanding Learning Opportunities
In 2015, the museum grew even more. They started renting extra space. This new area allowed them to offer more hands-on experiences. They began holding classes for both the community and students.
What's in the Collection?
Exploring the Museum's Treasures
The museum has a huge collection of computer items. It fills about 5,000 square feet of warehouse space. You can find software, hardware, books, and many other electronic items. This includes old computers, printers, floppy disks, and hard drives. People from all over the country have given items to the museum.
Types of Computers You Can See
The museum displays many personal computers from the United States and the UK. They also have large mainframe computers. Some examples are DEC VAXes and Wang 2200-VP machines. The collection also includes special multi-processor machines and a Data General Eclipse.
Visiting the Learning Lab
The museum's Learning Lab is open on Saturdays from 10 AM to 5 PM. About two dozen volunteers work there. They help take care of the collection and explain things to visitors. You can also visit the Lab and Warehouse at other times by making an appointment.
Learning and Workshops
Educational Programs for Students
The Rhode Island Computer Museum (RICM) offers many educational programs. They run workshops on programming and robotics. These workshops take place at public libraries in Rhode Island. They also host their own classes at the museum.
What You Can Learn in the Lab
The museum's "Learning Lab" offers classes for students. These classes help promote creativity and critical thinking. Students get hands-on experience with computers. Workshop topics include computer coding using Minecraft. You can also learn to take apart electronic devices. Other classes teach how to use Raspberry Pis, which are tiny computers. You can also learn about Arduinos, which are used for interactive projects.
Museum in Movies and TV
How the Museum Helps Hollywood
The Rhode Island Computer Museum has a unique role in entertainment. Film and TV companies often contact them. They rent old computer equipment for movie and show sets. This includes everything from small independent films to big Hollywood movies. In 2015, about one-third of the museum's money came from these deals.
Shows and Movies Featuring the Collection
Many popular films and TV shows have used items from the museum's collection. These items help create the right look for different time periods.
- Hidden Figures
- Joy
- Halt and Catch Fire
- The Americans
- Knives Out
- Severance
