This collection of rare and vintage computers is one of the largest collections of early computers in the United States. There are three major foci for our collection:
- The collection houses personal computers such as Altair, Imsai, Nascom, Cromemco, OSI, SWTPC, AIM, Cosmac, Hewitt-Packard, Minivac, Commodore, Heathkit, Intel, Olivetti, Northstar, CompuKit and Texas Instruments among others.
- We also have a very large collection of analog computers from companies such as Electronic Associates Inc., Welch, Donner Scientific and AMF among others.
- Finally, the collection houses a large number of documents and objects related to Herman Hollerith who is credited as being the first person to use electricity in tabulating data and with developing the modern punch card system of storing data.
Our research is focused primarily on our collection of over 1,000 computer related items, including 175 vintage computers. The collection of hardware, software and print materials consists of a wide variety of rare items ranging from an 1834 edition of the
Edinburgh Review which includes several articles about Charles Babbage and his new "Calculating Engine" to numerous computers manufactured before 1981 (the year IBM entered the personal computer market). The collection is generally limited to items manufactured or printed BEFORE 1981.
We are attempting to provide original research using primary source materials whenever possible. Aside from the EarlyComputer's collection, we are also making use of the Smithsonian, the National Archives, numerous other collections and personal interviews with individuals who were involved in bringing about the personal computer revolution.
As we develop the earlycomputers.com website, we hope to give you the opportunity to participate directly online....the chance
to add your stories, your research and your experience to ours. In the meantime, if you are interested in participating, please contact us at help@earlycomputers.com.
