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 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 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 booklet describes the development of the 3M Company Merchandise Data Recorder (see 1984.0932.01 for an example).
Description
This booklet describes the development of the 3M Company Merchandise Data Recorder (see 1984.0932.01 for an example). In a plastic pocket at the back of the binder is an advertising leaflet discussing EMC (Electronic Merchandise Control) and showing the system in use.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1965
ID Number
1984.0932.02
accession number
1984.0932
catalog number
1984.0932.02

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