The Museum Problem

After we had reviewed the artifacts, Cédric talked to me about the role of the museum in preserving and interpreting history. All of the many, many artifacts they have are historically significant. The question is, how do you show this to people who are new to the old technology? To put a computer on the floor in the museum is easy, but after people have exhausted their curiosity about the size of the old thing and the various different kinds of switches, knobs and wires on it, how can the museum help the patrons to understand what this computer was all about back in the day.

I am going to call this the "museum problem". I'm sure that it has a better name amongst curators, but this label works for me. I now think of my work in creating an emulator and collating architecture information as part of solving the museum problem. Everything I have done so far, I did for fun and nostalgia. Now, I have a greater sense of purpose.

Cédric told me that one way to enhance the patron's experience is to provide a narrative about the artifacts. A story is a very powerful way to convey meaning in context. This made me realize that two aspects of my project, The Computer Room, were important in this regard. First, this blog is a collection of stories. So far, it has been about the journey of rediscovery, but now, I think I will focus on recollections of experiences in the computer room. The second tool that I have envisioned, but not yet implemented, is a community forum where people all over the world can post their stories about the GE-115, and perhaps reconnect with people they knew from that era. I have the base framework for such a website built, but I will now focus on making it functional and user friendly. Stay tuned!!

Cédric also made me aware of YUCom, the York University Computer Museum. I will reach out to them in the new year. They have some downloadable emulators for a couple of machines, and perhaps they would like to share the GE-115 emulator as well. You can check it out at https://museum.eecs.yorku.ca/

My final observation about this transition in thinking is the realization that there are stories and information in my head which belong in a museum, because they are a part of history. This is such an interesting thought. I would challenge anyone reading this to think about the history they have witnessed, be it the development of a club, an historical event, a community or a movement. Perhaps, 2025 is a good year to reach out with your stories to see if there is a home for them so that these precious stories are preserved. You probably have more information in you than you think!!

Of course, I joked with myself that if my stories belong in a museum, then maybe I do too! I can imagine a glass case with a big red button in front. When you push the button, a 3D image of me appears, and then an AI trained on all the information in this blog and the other material I've collected answers any questions posed by the patrons. Interestingly, the technology to do this is out there! I am not suggesting this is a good idea haha. I just find it interesting!

Jim

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