Bozeman MT Computer Museum [WAS: Re: cray, paper tape, collector's books, tek terminals, and WANTED]

From: Mark Gregory <gregorym_at_cadvision.com>
Date: Wed Jan 13 15:42:08 1999

At 10:19 AM 1/13/99 -0800, you wrote:

>> I picked up both of these books at the museum in Bozeman, Montana. Listers
>> familiar with it? Funny little place.
>
>I heard those guys were clowns. Any truth to the rumor?
>
>Sellam Alternate e-mail:
dastar_at_siconic.com
>---------------------------------------------------------------------------

---
>Always being hassled by the man.
>
I'd have to disagree. Other than the oddity of being located in Montana
(not exactly a hub of high-tech industry), I found the Museum well put
together, with an interesting collection. It is small, though, and probably
isn't worth a detour of more than 200 miles.
There were < 10 "big iron" mainframes, < 20 of the usual minis, with a
small collection of micros (20-30) - the latter weren't described in much
detail. The exhibits are arranged more or less chronologically by
technology, starting with mechanical computing devices (Hollerith Census
machines, Comptometers), moving on to electro-mechanical machines, then to
tubes, transistors, and microchips. Many of the machines are arranged in
office environments that replicate what they might have looked like when in
use, and there is some interesting supporting material (advertisements from
the era, etc).
The tour guides are very friendly, and knowledgeable enough to answer
questions from the general public.
It's a good place to introduce kids to many of the technologies and some of
the people involved in the development of computers; most of the people on
this list would probably find it less interesting. Much like computer
collecting, computer museums are still in their infancy, so let's not judge
too harshly.
For the record, the place is The American Computer Museum, 234 East Babcock
St., Bozeman, MT, 59715, tel (406) 587-7545, fax (406) 587-9620. No Web
site or email AFAIK.
And I have no affiliation, professional or personal, with the place.
Cheers,
Mark.

Received on Wed Jan 13 1999 - 15:42:08 GMT