ACMS Mission
Why we are doing this anyway
Who are we? | Vision | Mission | Australian Computer Museums | Conclusion
Who are we?
The Australian Computer Museum Society Inc (ACMS) was formed in 1994 to establish a museum of computing in Australia similar to the world famous Boston Computer Museum in the USA, and to foster an awareness and knowledge of the history of computing in Australia.
Australia has a proud record of the development and use of computers. CSIRAC developed by the CSIRO, and SILLIAC, developed at Sydney University, both built in the early 1950s were amongst the world's first computers. Sadly, only a very few of the artefacts from that very early history remain. However, there is an amazing wealth of computing equipment and associated software and manuals in corporate and private collections in Australia. For the sake of future generations, as with other significant relics of our history, it is imperative that we take action now to preserve what we still have while we still have access to the people who worked with those early technologies, and they can advise on the part they played in the development of Computing in Australia.
The ACMS is managed by a committee elected only by its members.
Vision
The vision of the Australian Computer Museum Society is to establish a number of museums that will provide a vibrant living history of computing in Australia, such that future generations can understand the early beginnings of the industry and the work of those who were pioneers in a technology that now impacts almost every aspect of today's business, commerce, industry and government and more affects the daily life of every Australian.
Mission
The mission of the ACMS is:
- To establish museums of computing offering public access and display, and research facilities.
- To establish a "virtual" museum on the Internet containing details of the collection, so that the information on Australian history can be accessed by researchers and historians anywhere in the world.
- To provide a focal point for the exchange of information on the history of computing including a range of oral histories from Australian pioneers.
Australian Computer Museums
Computers and Information Technology have become the metaphors that dominate the thinking of the late 20th century. Although public museums, such as the PowerHouse Museum in Sydney, have made computing an important part of their exhibition, they are not able to devote to this single topic as much space as it deserves. The ACMS believes that Australia needs major computer museums similar to the Computer Museum in Boston to complement the public museums.
The Australian Computer Museum will be:
- Located in a central and regional sites convieniently located for the public at large and for school groups.
- Fun to visit, with as much working and interactive material as possible.
- A complement to school teaching in which eyes, hands, and ears are important vehicles for understanding.
- A show piece for Australia's role in the development of calculating, computing and information dissemination.
- An exhibition of the evolution of computing and its underlying technologies.
- A demonstration of the impact of computing on all facets of contemporary life.
- An advocate for the social benefits of computing and communications.
- A resource for popular and media research and education in computing and related fields.
- A repository for material of historical importance including hardware, software and related fields.
- A home for personal recollections and memorabilia of pioneers.
To achieve these objectives, the Australian Computer Museums will need to use a considerable amount of space. Public exhibition space is our prime objective. We also need substantial space for essential behind the scenes activities such as the storage of equipment, documentation, and archives, restoration of equipment prior to exhibition, development of exhibits, and general adminstration.
Not all computers have been as small as a modern PC. Traditional mainframes are large, heavy, consume considerable power, and require the removal of much heat. The Museums cannot be constrained to exhibiting only a part of the history of computing because of limitations of their sites.
Conclusion
Today when a computer graces every office desk, and is becoming an essential appliance in a home, it is sometimes difficult to believe that once the computer was held in almost religious awe.
The immense importance of computing and information and communications technologies in modern life, and Australia's important role in their development make the ACMS believe that a well developed Australian Computer Society would play an important part in the social and educational fabric of our society.
The Australian Computer Museum is a ready made museum with a fine range of interesting and rare artifacts looking for a permanent home. Staffed by volunteers who are experts in their field, it would form a focal point and complement any development.
We solicit your support to help us achieve this objective.
CDC 6600 - Central CPU modules