This weekend I visited the COOLEST museum. The American Computer Museum in Bozeman, MT. It is a very unassuming free museum in an office park however it has the most amazing exhibits. It is really the history of information, in many ways. It starts with cuneiform tablets, Gutenberg press, primitive information and computing devices, then a smorgasbord of all those old computer from the 20th century until now. SciFi, the brain, and advances in artificial intelligence are also represented. It is very well put together and the guy who started it has been collecting and displaying for years! The evolution of information sharing and storage. And who knew there was a computerized loom in the 18th century! I highly recommend this for ALL ages!
Not knowing what to do in Bozeman my wife suggested we check out the American Computer Museum (being a software developer this obviously appealed to me, but I was concerned that she might be a little bored). I could not have been more wrong, she absolutely loved the museum and love the organization of exhibits into the various era's and topics. Of course I geeked out at some of the old computers (and what a fantastic collection they have), but the historical direction of the museum is what really shined. While this may not be appropriate for children under 12, I am sure I would have loved it after that age. We were prepared to spend 45-minutes to an hour but spent over 2 (and only left because we had other engagements). If you are in Bozeman and have any interest in technology, you owe it to yourself to check out this free museum. Do not be distracted by fact it appears as an ordinary office outside, inside it is full of wonder.
We were given a comprehensive tour that was interesting and informative by Melissa Livingston. A hidden gem that is well worth a visit!
I wanted to check out something in town but it wasn't going to open until later so I decided to check this out. Exhibits were far more interesting and informative that many museums I have visited that charged large fees. I can't recommend this place enough, spent about 3 hours here.
World class review of the computer age. If you are older you will really like all the "old stuff." Do not miss this one.
I loved seeing the history of computers, from ancient writings on clay tablets, through the Gutenberg Press to the early computers of 50 years ago up to the more current ideas in computer science. It was fascinating for even technology challenged folks like myself.
I did not expect to enjoy this museum so much. In Bozeman, Montana, it's a small museum with so much history to take you back to the start of computers and robotics. Robby the Robot lives here along with detailed information about the origins of computers and coding, robotic automation, the original wristwatch worn during Man's First Moonwalk, the first Roomba, the predecessors of today's game devices, mobile phones, etc. Every small room is packed full of interesting and historic information and exhibits. I could have spent much longer here if time had not been short!The bonus for our visit was the stunning drive through the Gallatin Canyon from Big Sky to Bozeman with beautiful snowy vistas, elk, bighorn sheep and bald eagles and farmland to keep the camera snap-happy. There is no set fee for entry, a donation is encouraged.
This is a great collection of the history of information. A lot of neat artifacts and written history packed into a small space. This stop was enjoyed by both adults and children.
The well organized, comprehensive exhibits of computers and robots brought back lots of fond memories! Would love to take the kids and grandkids to show them this part of history! Free admission, but very worthy of a generous donation. Our GPS found the location in a suite in a building in an office park- type area close to the college campus.
I would not bring children to this museum. It is mostly written displays. It is in an odd location. What was offices are broken into various topics from computers to artificial intelligence Some unique old technology items. We did not spend much time here