On August 21, 2018 I visited The Computer History Museum in Mountain View, CA, in the heart of Silicon Valley. I received the tickets from the San Mateo County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, so I went. Anyone who knows me would know this would not be a place I would choose to go. Maybe, I could be dragged along with my husband, Keith, to this type of museum, but I would not go on my own. Well, I did and I really enjoyed it!
The tour at www.computerhistory.org begins with an orientation movie then on to an extensive history of the development of the computer (among other devices, such as the abacus, calculator and sectors) and more technology (games, software, smart cars, missile launching s
ystems) and more. I must admit that the punch card exhibit made me feel super old as that is the system I used to submit my Fortran homework in college.
There was an amazing amount of on-screen interviews for almost every segment of the 19-stop history exhibit. If you’re someone who is really into technology, I could see why you would want a two-day pass. They even had a Super Geek Tour as one of their add-on experiences. (I actually heard someone ask what you had to do to be considered a super geek.
After touring the history exhibit of the development of technology, I visited the museum store with all kinds of memorabilia, then went over to the other side of the museum to sit in a 2014 smart car prototype (it’s only made for the owner to be a passenger and really weird to sit in a seemingly-stripped-bare interior), learn about Ada, Countess of Lovelace, considered to be a “prophet of the computer age” and sticking my head in two Demo Labs, I left feeling a lot more informed about the development of modern technology and happy that I took the time to visit. I can honestly say I enjoyed it. If you have an ounce of “geek” in your bones, you will love it!
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Awesome Super Geek Tour!
I know, right? It really was fun, even for non-technical me!
Thanks for Visiting,
Cathy
What a cool place to visit. I’ve never heard of it! We’ll have to check it out sometime.
This sounds like something my fiance would like, though to be honest, I’m a little curious myself too!
It was a cool experience and I would go again when I have more time. If you go, let me know. I’d love someone else’s opinion.
Thanks for visiting,
Cathy
I would recommend this museum to anyone. There is truly something of interest for anyone and the opportunity to learn a lot.
Thanks for visiting,
Cathy
My kids would like this!
I’m sure they would. Especially the robotic toy and game stations!
Thanks for visiting,
Cathy
My husband would totally dig this museum! Thanks for sharing and braving it for us!! :0D
You are so welcome Tiffany! I have to admit, it would not have been on my list of to-do’s if it had not been given to me. It was really cool though.
Thanks for visiting,
Cathy
Looks like a fascinating trip! It’s amazing how much has changed in the world of computers and technology.
It was fun and so cool to see the rudimentary ideas that lead to the amazing technology we have now! Thanks for visiting,
Cathy
I’m not a technology person either, but this does look really fun! I think it would be fun to see all the different inventions people have come up with.
I’ve been wanting to go there! looks really interesting!
I’m sure you would enjoy it! I wish I’d had more time to really read and watch all the video interviews. Thanks for commenting and hope you are able to visit the museum in future.
Cathy
Way to get your geek on. I love that there are so many cool quirky museums in this nation. Sounds like a good time
It was fun Alison and I agree — so fun to find unique museums. I was in Cleveland in July and their is a Soldier’s Memorial — huge statue — and I would have never known you could go inside and learn all about the history of that memorial if I had not seen someone go in. I love discovering quirky destination! Thanks for visiting,
Cathy
I’m like you. I feel like this is somewhere I wouldn’t choose to go. But it’s right up hubby’s alley. I’m sure I’d still go, and probably would enjoy it.
Yeah, I wish my husband could have visited. We should be going back in a few years and I will definitely make a point of taking him.
Thanks for visiting,
Cathy
My son would actually love this, as he’s a bit of a computer nerd.
I’m sure he would, Tonya! It was fascinating…even to me. Thanks for visiting,
Cathy
How fun and informative!
It really was. I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did! Highly recommend this experience.
Thanks for visiting,
Cathy
It was fun and an unexpectedly cool experience.
Thanks for visiting,
Cathy
I love the name “super geek tour” 😂 This kind of reminds me of Spaceship Earth in Epcot. Glad you enjoyed your tour!
I haven’t been to Epcot in years and can’t remember if I visited that or not. I do remember a building that did have a lot of fun technology. It was much more toy and game related as I remember. This was some serious stuff but also had a lot about video games and toys. All around it was a great experience.
Thanks for visiting,
Cathy