Computers & Business Machines

Imagine the loss, 100 years from now, if museums hadn't begun preserving the artifacts of the computer age. The last few decades offer proof positive of why museums must collect continuously—to document technological and social transformations already underway.

The museum's collections contain mainframes, minicomputers, microcomputers, and handheld devices. Computers range from the pioneering ENIAC to microcomputers like the Altair and the Apple I. A Cray2 supercomputer is part of the collections, along with one of the towers of IBM's Deep Blue, the computer that defeated reigning champion Garry Kasparov in a chess match in 1997. Computer components and peripherals, games, software, manuals, and other documents are part of the collections. Some of the instruments of business include adding machines, calculators, typewriters, dictating machines, fax machines, cash registers, and photocopiers

This square plastic box holds a clear plastic sheet marked with a grid of lines that fits in an indentation in the box. There is a black plastic stylus that attaches to the tablet via a cord and another cord to link the tablet to a microcomputer.
Description
This square plastic box holds a clear plastic sheet marked with a grid of lines that fits in an indentation in the box. There is a black plastic stylus that attaches to the tablet via a cord and another cord to link the tablet to a microcomputer. The donor used the device with an Apple IIe microcomputer. The dimensions depend on placement of cord.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
ca 1990
maker
Apple Computer, Inc.
ID Number
2012.0120.03
catalog number
2012.0120.03
accession number
2012.0120
Professional computer programmer Barry S. Berg was much interested in the using programming in many aspects of his life. During the 1970s he acquired an HP-65 electronic calculator and this notebook of programming strips for it.
Description
Professional computer programmer Barry S. Berg was much interested in the using programming in many aspects of his life. During the 1970s he acquired an HP-65 electronic calculator and this notebook of programming strips for it. They programs relate to aerial navigation and he used them when flying a plane.
For other documentation that relates to the HP-65 and was received from Berg, see 2012.3060.39. An example of the calculator (not used by Berg) is 2011.0023.01.
Reference:
Non-accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1976
maker
Hewlett-Packard Company
ID Number
2012.3060.07
nonaccession number
2012.3060
catalog number
2012.3060.07
This document is designed to help a programmer learn the BASIC programming language, as used by HP. It has Hewlett Packard form number 02116-9077.Currently not on view
Description
This document is designed to help a programmer learn the BASIC programming language, as used by HP. It has Hewlett Packard form number 02116-9077.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1970
maker
Hewlett-Packard Company
ID Number
1994.3128.18
nonaccession number
1994.3128
catalog number
1994.3128.18
This fifty-nine page manual describes the operation of the HP-45 handheld electronic calculator. A service card is at the back. For the calculator, see 2004.3053.01. For another example of the manual, see 1982.0222.02.Currently not on view
Description
This fifty-nine page manual describes the operation of the HP-45 handheld electronic calculator. A service card is at the back. For the calculator, see 2004.3053.01. For another example of the manual, see 1982.0222.02.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1973
maker
Hewlett-Packard Company
ID Number
2004.3053.06
nonaccession number
2004.3053
catalog number
2004.3053.06
This fifty-nine-page manual describes the operation of the HP-45 handheld electronic calculator. For an example of the calculator, see 2004.3053.01. For another version of the manual, see 2004.3053.02.Currently not on view
Description
This fifty-nine-page manual describes the operation of the HP-45 handheld electronic calculator. For an example of the calculator, see 2004.3053.01. For another version of the manual, see 2004.3053.02.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1973
maker
Hewlett-Packard Company
ID Number
1982.0222.02
catalog number
1982.0222.02
accession number
1982.0222
Hewlett-Packard Company encouraged owners of the HP-65 programmable calculator to write programs and share them with other users. These documents, donated by professional programmer Barry S. Berg, illustrate aspects of this process.
Description
Hewlett-Packard Company encouraged owners of the HP-65 programmable calculator to write programs and share them with other users. These documents, donated by professional programmer Barry S. Berg, illustrate aspects of this process. Included are a contributor’s guide to the HP-65 user’s library, a sheet listing HP-65 application pacs [sic] from March of 1975, a set of HP-65 program forms from 1974, an HP-65 accessory order form from 1975, two issues of HP-65 Key Note for HP-65 Owners from 1976, and an issue of HP Key Notes from 1977. Several of the programs in 2012.3060.07 are listed in the 1977 issue of HP Key Notes.
An example of the HP-65 calculator (not used by Berg) is 2011.0023.01.
Reference:
Non-accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1974-1976
maker
Hewlett-Packard Company
ID Number
2012.3060.39
catalog number
2012.3060.39
nonaccession number
2013.3060
This spiral-bound manual has a green and white cover. It describes the use of the HP-55 programmable handheld electronic calculator. This version is dated February 1975. Compare with a slightly earlier version from December of 1974 (1980.0813.02).
Description
This spiral-bound manual has a green and white cover. It describes the use of the HP-55 programmable handheld electronic calculator. This version is dated February 1975. Compare with a slightly earlier version from December of 1974 (1980.0813.02). For an example of the calculator, see 1980.0813.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1975
maker
Hewlett-Packard Company
ID Number
1980.0813.03
catalog number
1980.0813.03
accession number
1980.0813
Invented in 1963, the mouse improved interactions with computers. However, not until 1984, when Apple Computers introduced the Macintosh and its graphical user interface, did the mouse become a standard computer component.Currently not on view
Description
Invented in 1963, the mouse improved interactions with computers. However, not until 1984, when Apple Computers introduced the Macintosh and its graphical user interface, did the mouse become a standard computer component.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1984
maker
Apple Computer
ID Number
1985.3011.01.1
catalog number
1985.3011.01.1
nonaccession number
1985.3011
This twenty-two-page spiral-bound booklet gives basic information about the HP-45 handheld electronic calculator. It fits in the carrying pouch for the calculator. For the calculator, see 2004.3053.01; for the carrying pouch, see 2004.3053.03.Currently not on view
Description
This twenty-two-page spiral-bound booklet gives basic information about the HP-45 handheld electronic calculator. It fits in the carrying pouch for the calculator. For the calculator, see 2004.3053.01; for the carrying pouch, see 2004.3053.03.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1973
maker
Hewlett-Packard Company
ID Number
2004.3053.05
nonaccession number
2004.3053
catalog number
2004.3053.05
This spiral-bound manual has a green and white cover. It describes the use of the HP-55 programmable handheld electronic calculator. This version is dated December 1974. Compare with a slightly later version from February of 1975 (1980.0813.03).
Description
This spiral-bound manual has a green and white cover. It describes the use of the HP-55 programmable handheld electronic calculator. This version is dated December 1974. Compare with a slightly later version from February of 1975 (1980.0813.03). For an example of the calculator, see 1980.0813.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1974
maker
Hewlett-Packard Company
ID Number
1980.0813.02
catalog number
1980.0813.02
accession number
1980.0813
This small orange spiral-bound notebook offers instructions on using the HP-65 calculator. It was received independent of a calculator. For an example of an HP-65, see 2011.0023.01. For other documentation on this calculator see 2012.3060.07 and 2012.3060.39.Currently not on view
Description
This small orange spiral-bound notebook offers instructions on using the HP-65 calculator. It was received independent of a calculator. For an example of an HP-65, see 2011.0023.01. For other documentation on this calculator see 2012.3060.07 and 2012.3060.39.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1974
maker
Hewlett-Packard Company
ID Number
1982.0222.03
catalog number
1982.0222.03
accession number
1982.0222
The Apple Macintosh microcomputer introduced a graphic user interface (GUI) to the Apple line of computers. The idea had originated at Xerox's Palo Alto Research Center in the 1970s, but Xerox was slow to commercialize it.
Description
The Apple Macintosh microcomputer introduced a graphic user interface (GUI) to the Apple line of computers. The idea had originated at Xerox's Palo Alto Research Center in the 1970s, but Xerox was slow to commercialize it. Apple proved far more successful when it introduced the Macintosh in January 1984, with a splashy television advertisement during the Superbowl. The original price was around $2,500.
Instead of typing out names of programs on command lines, users with a GUI could click "icons," or pictures that represented the programs they wanted to run. They could also execute functions like saving, moving, or deleting files by clicking and dragging the icons around the screen with a pointing device called a mouse. Apple's version of the mouse had a single button, which became an Apple standard. The first Macintosh, exemplified by this object, had only 128K RAM, and users quickly found this insufficient. The Macintosh 512 KB, nicknamed "Fat Mac," was introduced in September 1984. It gave users four times as much memory, and allowed them to keep several major programs open simultaneously (for an example of this machine see 1985.3011.01). The vertical processor case and 9" monochrome screen were distinguishing features of all the early Macintosh line.
The Macintosh 512 KB contained a Motorola 68000 microprocessor which ran at 8 MHz. It contained 512 KB of RAM and 64 KB of ROM and initially had a 400 KB Floppy disk drive. Applications included MacWrite, a word processor, and MacPaint, a drawing program that turned the mouse into a paintbrush. Shortly after the 512 KB appeared, Apple also introduced a LaserWriter printer, which enabled desktop publishing for individuals and small businesses. Over time, Apple computers would appeal most strongly to artists and designers, while the IBM/DOS line of computers sold better in business markets.
After selling hundreds of thousands of units, Apple discontinued the "Mac Classic" line of computers in April 1986.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1984
maker
Apple Computer
ID Number
1985.0118.01
catalog number
1985.0118.01
accession number
1985.0118
In 1976, computer pioneers Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs began selling their Apple I computer in kit form to computer stores. By August of that year, Wozniak started designing an improved version, the Apple II.
Description
In 1976, computer pioneers Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs began selling their Apple I computer in kit form to computer stores. By August of that year, Wozniak started designing an improved version, the Apple II. Wozniak and Jobs demonstrated a prototype in December, and then introduced it to the public in April 1977. The Apple II started the boom in personal computer sales in the late 1970s, and pushed Apple into the lead among personal computer makers.
The Apple II used a MOS 6502 chip for its central processing unit. It came with 4 KB RAM, but could be extended up to 48 KB RAM. It included a BASIC interpreter and could support graphics and a color monitor. External storage was originally on cassette tape, but later Apple introduced an external floppy disk drive. Among the Apple II's most important features were its 8 expansion slots on the motherboard. These allowed hobbyists to add additional cards made by Apple and many other vendors who quickly sprung up. The boards included floppy disk controllers, SCSI cards, video cards, and CP/M or PASCAL emulator cards.
In 1979 Software Arts introduced the first computer spreadsheet, Visicalc for the Apple II. This "killer application" was extremely popular and fostered extensive sales of the Apple II.
The Apple II went through several improvements and upgrades. By 1984, when the Macintosh appeared, over 2 million Apple II computers had been sold.
The Warners acquired ithis computer in the fall of 1981, partly for use by their son Benjamin who had just turned thirteen. He used it to play Pacman. Jack Warner's 2023 recollection of using the computer was as follows: "A friend told me about a wonderful new computer and a program, Visicalc, written by Dan Bricklin, that would allow you to easily manipulate numbers in cells and generate equations.
It proved to be a good tool to generate spreadsheets (a new word then!) to analyze potential real estate investments and returns. The kids loved to play Little Brick Out and Lemonade Stand, two games that came with the Apple software. Lisa also and Apple program allowed you to ask questions, with Lisa returning an answer that led you on. It appeared to be prescient! "Alien Rain" in which items dropped from the top of the screen and you would have to shoot them down by moving the arrow keys fascinated the kids for hours and days. The breakthrough for usefulness was the acquisition of "Magic Word", probably the first word processor for Apple. An Epson dot matrix printer was added shortly thereafter, 80 cpi, wow! The setup donated to the SI includes an Apple floppy drive and Offbrand Monitor (Apple monitors were hard to come by. At one point I unhooked the floppy drive while the machine was running and blew out the floppy board. No hot swapping then! It was all cut and try. The addition of the MicroSoft CP/M internal board later allowed the use of Wordstar, a feature rich word processor. The following year, we set up 3 Apple IIs and employed the family to quickly generate a computer file from a manuscript in record time. Impressed the client!"
In addition to the central processing unit and keyboard for the Apple II (1990.0167.01.1), the NMAH collections include the monitor for the machine (1990.0167.01.2), the disk drive (1990.0167.02), an Apple Silenttype printer (1990.0167.03.1) and a circuit board for the printer (1990.0167.03.2).
Reference:
Personal Communication, Jack Warner, June 30, 2023.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1977-1987
date made
1980
maker
Apple Computer
ID Number
1990.0167.01.1
catalog number
1990.0167.01.1
accession number
1990.0167
This spiral-bound manual contains mathematics programs to be run on the HP-55 electronic calculator.
Description
This spiral-bound manual contains mathematics programs to be run on the HP-55 electronic calculator. According to the cover, it is a comprehensive guidebook, with "74 common programs in such areas as complex arithmetic and functions, linear algebra, trigonometry, geometry, business, and others.” It cost $10.00. A line on the back page reads in part: Rev C 5/75.
For an example of the HP-55, see 1980.0813.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1975
maker
Hewlett-Packard Company
ID Number
1982.0222.05
catalog number
1982.0222.05
accession number
1982.0222
This Black Apple, model number A2S1048B, was a version of the Apple II Plus made by Apple Computer, Inc. and sold only to educational institutions by Bell & Howell, at that time a company specializing in audiovisual equipment.
Description
This Black Apple, model number A2S1048B, was a version of the Apple II Plus made by Apple Computer, Inc. and sold only to educational institutions by Bell & Howell, at that time a company specializing in audiovisual equipment. It earned the nicknames "Black Apple" and "Darth Vader" because its case was black instead of the usual beige color of the Apple II Plus. To make the computer more versatile, Bell & Howell added audio and video slots onto the Apple II Plus and also made it UL-compliant. By allowing Bell & Howell to sell their modified product, Apple was able to succeed in the educational market.
This example of a Black Apple was used in the Ferndale Public Schools in Ferndale, Michigan.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1980s
maker
Bell & Howell
Apple Computer
ID Number
2002.0153.01
accession number
2002.0153
catalog number
2002.0153.01

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.