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

After the success of the IBM's business PC, IBM attempted to capture the home market with the IBM PCjr.
Description
After the success of the IBM's business PC, IBM attempted to capture the home market with the IBM PCjr. The PCjr system was compact, low cost, and designed for applications related to learning, entertainment, and personal productivity.
The computer had an Intel 8088 microprocessor that ran at 4.77 MHz–faster than most systems on the market at the time. It had 64 KB of RAM, which could be expanded to 256 KB and later to 720 KB with third party add-ons. It featured an internal 5 1/4" floppy drive and a wireless keyboard. King's Quest, a popular Adventure game of the 1980s, debuted on the PCjr.
Despite a flashy debut and a strong technology core, the PCjr flopped in the market. Consumers were not as attracted by the IBM name as business had been. Price was a major factor. The PCjr cost about the same as the Coleco Adam, but for the price, the Adam included two tape drives, a printer, and software. The PCJr was twice as expensive as the Commodore 64. With the exception of the Apple II, it was possible to purchase a complete system (computer, disk drive, and printer) from almost any of IBM's competitors for less money. However, criticism of the system focused on the "chiclet" keyboard. Similar to that of a pocket calculator, the small keys were cheap and difficult to use for touch typing. IBM later replaced this with a wireless conventional-sized keyboard. But it could only be used two or three feet away from the machine and drained batteries quickly.
Announced in November 1983 and available in March 1984, IBM sold the PCJr for $669 with 64 KB RAM, and $1,269 for 128 KB RAM. The more expensive system also included a floppy-disk drive. The device was manufactured in Lewisburg, Tennesee, by Teledyne, IBM discontinued the PCjr in March of 1985 after selling only approximately 270,000 units.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1984-1985
maker
IBM
ID Number
2002.0090.01
catalog number
2002.0090.01
accession number
2002.0090
This is an example of IBM’s Personal System/1, a microcomputer designed primarily for home use. It sold from 1990 until it was succeeded by the IBM Aptiva in 1994.
Description
This is an example of IBM’s Personal System/1, a microcomputer designed primarily for home use. It sold from 1990 until it was succeeded by the IBM Aptiva in 1994. This cream-colored PS/1 includes not only the central processing unit (powered by an Intel 8026 microprocessor) but a monitor, two disk drives (one for 5 ¼” disks, one for 3 1/2” disks), a keyboard, and a mouse. A tag on the back of the cpu reads: Type 2011-C34 (/) S/N 23-5006568.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1990 - 1994
maker
IBM
ID Number
2006.0132.13
catalog number
2006.0132.13
accession number
2006.0132
This packet of materials was provided to the donor when he took a course on the use of tabulating equipment at IBM in Endicott, New York, in the 1950s. Included are a name tag, a punch card, three postcards, two leaflets, and an envelope.
Description
This packet of materials was provided to the donor when he took a course on the use of tabulating equipment at IBM in Endicott, New York, in the 1950s. Included are a name tag, a punch card, three postcards, two leaflets, and an envelope.
date made
1950s
maker
IBM
ID Number
1995.3080.05
nonaccession number
1995.3080
catalog number
1995.3080.05
This black microcomputer includes a tower with attached base, a monitor with swivel and stand, a media console that fits under the monitor and holds a diskette and a cd, and a keyboard with mouse.
Description
This black microcomputer includes a tower with attached base, a monitor with swivel and stand, a media console that fits under the monitor and holds a diskette and a cd, and a keyboard with mouse. Various cords join the parts.
The dimensions given are for compact storage, not display.
This particular IBM Aptiva was acquired second-hand by the donor, Leslie Ann Jenson, in 2000, when she began a fulltime teaching position at a Catholic high school in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She used this, her first personally owned computer, primarily for email and grading student work, as well as in her first online job application. The latter proved successful, she went overseas, and the Aptiva gave way to other devices.
Reference:
NMAH accession file 2013.0258.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1996
maker
IBM
ID Number
2013.0258.01
accession number
2013.0258
catalog number
2013.0258.01
This includes:1. IBM 16-bit Sound Card (for Aptiva) - 3 discs - received by owner 7-13-992. Aptiva Emergency WIN98,SE Startup disk - dated by owner 9-12-20003.
Description
This includes:
1. IBM 16-bit Sound Card (for Aptiva) - 3 discs - received by owner 7-13-99
2. Aptiva Emergency WIN98,SE Startup disk - dated by owner 9-12-2000
3. Western Digital Hard Drive Data Lifeguard Tools Version 2.2 - 2000
On the microcomputer used with this software, see 2013.0258.03.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
IBM
ID Number
2013.0258.03
accession number
2013.0258
catalog number
2013.0258.03
This includes:1. Aptiva unpacking getting started setting up - pamphlet - 19962. Aptiva S series model S7H - leaflet - 19963. HelpWare Service and Support for your new Aptiva- pamphlet - 19964. Aptiva Multimedia Monitor User's Guide - pamphlet - 19965.
Description
This includes:
1. Aptiva unpacking getting started setting up - pamphlet - 1996
2. Aptiva S series model S7H - leaflet - 1996
3. HelpWare Service and Support for your new Aptiva- pamphlet - 1996
4. Aptiva Multimedia Monitor User's Guide - pamphlet - 1996
5. IBM Aptiva Cordless Mouse User's Guide - pamphlet - 1996
6. Western Digital, Western Digital Retall Install Guide - pamphlet - 1999 - for hard drive
7. IBM 16-Bit Sound Card User Guide -pamphlet with receipt 1996
On the microcomputer and its use, see 2013.0258.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1996-1999
maker
IBM
ID Number
2013.0258.02
accession number
2013.0258
catalog number
2013.0258.02
Some personally operated computers, such as this one, came from companies traditionally associated with larger machines.
Description
Some personally operated computers, such as this one, came from companies traditionally associated with larger machines. In late 1972, the IBM General Systems Division in Atlanta, Georgia, asked the IBM Scientific Center in Palo Alto, California, to develop a product that would raise the visibility of the programming language APL. Paul Friedl and his colleagues in Palo Alto spent six months developing this pioneering portable computer, known as the SCAMP (Special Computer, APL Machine Portable). The prototype used existing components - a cathode ray tube from Bell Brothers, Inc., for the display; a Norelco audiotape cassette recorder for secondary storage; a keyboard from IBM in Raleigh, North Carolina; memory cards from IBM Germany; and a PALM microprocessor board from IBM in Boca Raton, Florida. The APL language processor emulated one for the existing, much larger, IBM 1130 computer.
The SCAMP is designed to be a portable and folds into a suitcase-like frame. The upper part, including the monitor, pops up when in use. The frame is chocolate brown and the cover and upper part are almond white.
Friedl and his colleagues used the SCAMP in over one hundred demonstrations. A menu on the screen indicated possible uses – as a calculator or for financial analysis, project planning, educational drill, engineering analysis, or statistical analysis. The machine served as a prototype for the IBM 5100 portable computer, a machine announced in 1975 that sold for between $8975 and $19,575 and found a range of applications. Some consider the SCAMP as the grandfather of the highly successful IBM Personal Computer (IBM 5150), introduced in 1981.
References:
Paul J. Friedl, “SCAMP: The Missing Link in the PC’s Past?” PC Mag: The Independent Guide to IBM Personal Computers, November 1983, vol. 2 no.6, pp. 190-197.
Jonathan Littman, “The First Portable Computer: The Genesis of SCAMP, Grandfather of the Personal Computer,” PC World, October 1983, pp. 294-300.
Date made
1973
maker
IBM
IBM
ID Number
1988.0681.01
catalog number
1988.0681.01
accession number
1988.0681
This power supply was used with the SCAMP microcomputer. It is metal with black handle. The cables are detached. On top there are two peices of black tape crossed to form an X.Currently not on view
Description
This power supply was used with the SCAMP microcomputer. It is metal with black handle. The cables are detached. On top there are two peices of black tape crossed to form an X.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1973
maker
IBM
IBM
ID Number
1988.0681.01.1
catalog number
1988.0681.01.1
accession number
1988.0681
This square button has white text on a teal background with white side borders. It reads: Microsoft OS/2 NOW.Currently not on view
Description
This square button has white text on a teal background with white side borders. It reads: Microsoft OS/2 NOW.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1987
maker
IBM
ID Number
2009.3071.010
catalog number
2009.3071.010
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This circular button has black and blue text on a white background that reads: THLINK! (The H and L are connected). A mark in red ink on the reverse reads: Spring Comdex '91.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has black and blue text on a white background that reads: THLINK! (The H and L are connected). A mark in red ink on the reverse reads: Spring Comdex '91.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1991
maker
IBM
ID Number
2009.3071.214
catalog number
2009.3071.214
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This is a wooden plexiglass and paper model of an IBM 1401 computer system. Model pieces include:1. The IBM 1401 central processing unit with control panel.2. A disc storage unit.3. Dual IBM 729 magnetic tape unit (two tape drives - possibly two units)4.
Description
This is a wooden plexiglass and paper model of an IBM 1401 computer system. Model pieces include:
1. The IBM 1401 central processing unit with control panel.
2. A disc storage unit.
3. Dual IBM 729 magnetic tape unit (two tape drives - possibly two units)
4. A shorter IBM 7330 magnetic tape unit with one tape drive
5. A yet shorter tape unit (for paper tape? might be IBM 1101)
6. IBM 1406 added memory
7. an IBM 1402 card read-punch
8. an IBM 1403 printer with paper.
Dimensions given are for system arranged compactly.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1959
maker
IBM
ID Number
2013.0129.01
accession number
2013.0129
catalog number
2013.0129.01
This circular button has white text on a light blue background. It reads: I Do It SIDEWAYS with My IBM PC. Further text reading "SIDEWAYS" runs from the top to the bottom of button and is printed sideways. Other text reads left to right.
Description
This circular button has white text on a light blue background. It reads: I Do It SIDEWAYS with My IBM PC. Further text reading "SIDEWAYS" runs from the top to the bottom of button and is printed sideways. Other text reads left to right. Text written in black permanent marker on the reverse side of the button reads: '87?.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1987
maker
IBM
ID Number
2009.3071.006
catalog number
2009.3071.006
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This illustrated document introduces the basic concepts of the operating system for the IBM/360. It has IBM file number S360-36 and IBM form number C28-6535-0.Currently not on view
Description
This illustrated document introduces the basic concepts of the operating system for the IBM/360. It has IBM file number S360-36 and IBM form number C28-6535-0.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1965
maker
IBM
ID Number
1994.3128.13
catalog number
1994.3128.13
nonaccession number
1994.3128
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
IBM
ID Number
2012.3098.118
catalog number
2012.3098.118
nonaccession number
2012.3098
This circular button has a white background with red text in varying shades. This reads: Graphics Interface Kit/2. The button shows two red rectangles with arrows connecting them in a circular shape. It also has the IBM logo in maroon.
Description
This circular button has a white background with red text in varying shades. This reads: Graphics Interface Kit/2. The button shows two red rectangles with arrows connecting them in a circular shape. It also has the IBM logo in maroon. Text written in black ink on the reverse side of the button reads: PC Expo NY 6/28/93.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1993
maker
IBM
ID Number
2009.3071.020
catalog number
2009.3071.020
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This circular button has white text on a black background. It reads: IBM SERVERS THE ENGINES OF E-BUSINESS. The IBM logo appears in blue. The reverse has circuitry for lighting up a small light on the front.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has white text on a black background. It reads: IBM SERVERS THE ENGINES OF E-BUSINESS. The IBM logo appears in blue. The reverse has circuitry for lighting up a small light on the front.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
maker
IBM
ID Number
2009.3071.021
catalog number
2009.3071.021
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This binder contains a copy of the IBM Guide to Operations documentation and a 5 1/4" floppy disk with version 1.0 Diagnostics.
Description
This binder contains a copy of the IBM Guide to Operations documentation and a 5 1/4" floppy disk with version 1.0 Diagnostics. The manual provides the user with an introduction to IBM microcomputers and includes instructions for setup, operating, problem resolution, optional component installation, and computer relocation.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
IBM
ID Number
2012.3098.027
catalog number
2012.3098.027
nonaccession number
2012.3098
This rectangular lapel pin has a butterfly clutch clasp. Atop the white background is black text reading "IBM DOS 5.0" and blue text reading "Running Here!" A black diamond shape is on the left-hand side, with a white circle inside.
Description
This rectangular lapel pin has a butterfly clutch clasp. Atop the white background is black text reading "IBM DOS 5.0" and blue text reading "Running Here!" A black diamond shape is on the left-hand side, with a white circle inside. Text inside the circle reads diagonally "DOS" with one letter each in yellow, green and pink. The reverse is of gold-colored metal and reads "CDX '92 L.V." in black permanent ink. The clasp is of gold-colored metal.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1992
maker
IBM
ID Number
2009.3071.697
catalog number
2009.3071.697
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This circular button marks the fifth anniversary of release of the IBM PC. On the white background there is a large red number 5 with small red squares on background. Charlie Chaplin, in black and with a cane carries the 5.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button marks the fifth anniversary of release of the IBM PC. On the white background there is a large red number 5 with small red squares on background. Charlie Chaplin, in black and with a cane carries the 5.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1986
maker
IBM
ID Number
2009.3071.019
catalog number
2009.3071.019
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This square lapel pin has a butterfly clutch clasp. The black background has a gold border and is decorated with images of pens in red, orange and green, an orange ball, and a large green-brown colored "A". Green-brown text in the upper right hand corner reads: IBM.
Description
This square lapel pin has a butterfly clutch clasp. The black background has a gold border and is decorated with images of pens in red, orange and green, an orange ball, and a large green-brown colored "A". Green-brown text in the upper right hand corner reads: IBM. The reverse is of gold-colored metal and is stamped: UNION MADE USA. The clasp isof gold-colored metal.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
IBM
ID Number
2009.3071.700
catalog number
2009.3071.700
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This circular button has blue and black text on a white background. It reads: Thanks a million. IBM Personal System/2 TM. It also has the IBM logo.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has blue and black text on a white background. It reads: Thanks a million. IBM Personal System/2 TM. It also has the IBM logo.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1987
maker
IBM
ID Number
2009.3071.014
catalog number
2009.3071.014
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This set of six orange punch cards each have 53 columns. The standard IBM punch card has 80 columns.
Description
This set of six orange punch cards each have 53 columns. The standard IBM punch card has 80 columns. Each card is marked PO-33, PATENT ORDER (Letter Unit) on the left edge, and IBM D7 7517 on the bottom edge.
The following information is punched and printed on each card, the unique patent number, the same customer number (11530), month (01), day (29), and serv. code (6M). These cards were used by the U.S. Patent Office when filling requests for copies of patents.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
IBM
ID Number
2017.3122.02
nonaccession number
2017.3122
catalog number
2017.3122.02
This is a collection of 35 - 8" floppy disks containing programs and application data stored in a plastic case with the IBM logo on the lid.Currently not on view
Description
This is a collection of 35 - 8" floppy disks containing programs and application data stored in a plastic case with the IBM logo on the lid.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
IBM
ID Number
2012.3098.025
catalog number
2012.3098.025
nonaccession number
2012.3098
This square button has a black background with several orange music notes, a yellow CD, and other multi-colored shapes. Text in white reads: Let's get personal...IBM Multimedia.
Description
This square button has a black background with several orange music notes, a yellow CD, and other multi-colored shapes. Text in white reads: Let's get personal...IBM Multimedia. Text written in black permanent marker on the reverse side of the button reads: NGGA 7/91.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1991
maker
IBM
ID Number
2009.3071.011
catalog number
2009.3071.011
nonaccession number
2009.3071

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