Rhode Island Computer Museum

The Rhode Island Computer Museum occupies a large space and displays a diverse collection of computers from different eras, ranging from early mainframes to personal computers. The exhibits include both hardware and materials that document the evolution of computer technology.

The museum was founded in the 1990s when a group of enthusiasts recognized that the history of computing technology needed to be preserved. It grew out of a desire to document the rapid development of this technology for future generations.

The museum shows how computers changed daily work across different industries and displays devices that appeared in well-known films and television shows. Visitors can understand the role these machines played in shaping modern life.

The collection is spread across multiple locations, with a main building and a separate storage facility holding large and rare machines. Visitors should check ahead since not all pieces in the collection are on display at all times.

The museum preserves computers and equipment from an era when these devices were not considered collectible and were often discarded as waste. This rescue of technology from scrapping made it possible to save a complete record of how computers evolved.