Progressing the Computer and Communications Museum of Ireland

Fáilte go léir. In my capacity as curator, I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for the tremendous progress that our technology, heritage and educational facility made in 2017. 

It was a year when the Computer and Communications Museum of Ireland (CCMI) made significant progress on developing the visitor’s experience, expanding the community of supporters and the hosting of events and exhibitions with new and old partners.

Developing the Museum Experience through New Artefacts and Investments

The sponsorship from Galway Technology Centre, funding from Insight and the generous contribution of time and energy by our board, partners and friends, has enabled us to improve how people experience the museum on and off site.

The financial and community support has enabled us to:

  • undertake a major revamp of the museum’s interior and to develop thematic zones including a mini-cinema, retro gaming, Internet of Things and radio
  • be included in the official NUIG Visitors’ Trail that included the provision of a high-quality colour brochure and campus-wide posters displays
  • establish a permanent rolling offsite exhibition at the Galway Technology Centre
  • construct three retro gaming stations for the museum in addition to a travelling collection for off-site events
  • build a classic arcade cabinet games machine using Raspberry Pi
  • continue the development of our Internet of Things and Smart City zone
  • provide more interesting information signage for visiting schools, businesses the general public

With the progress and funding made in 2017, we were able to acquire some rare radio and recording artefacts including a 1901 Thomas Edison Phonograph. This will form part of our plans to expand our vintage radio collection and to bring new interactive elements to be enjoyed by our visitors and community.

Digital Exhibition at Galway Technology Centre

Expansion of our Community

Our museum has grown and been greatly enhanced thanks to the sincere and generous contributions of equipment, time and expertise from the members of our community.  As well as our permanent partnership with the Insight Centre for Data Analytics and NUI Galway, we have in the past year welcomed further organizations and individuals to our new ‘Friends of the Computer and Communications Museum’ group, with each supporting our mission in their own unique way, namely: 

  • 091Labs
  • Coderdojo
  • Galway Technology Centre
  • Amiga Retro Ireland
  • NUI Galway CompSoc

The museum has set up its first permanent offsite display at the Galway Technology Centre. We also participated in  RTE’s National Treasures countrywide campaign, took part in the Galway Science and Technology Festival and ended the year with an interactive pop up retro gaming stand at NUI Galway’s staff Christmas party.

NUIG CCMI Retro Gaming Pop Up

We have also been able to open our own doors for others to showcase their work and were proud to have the museum open for “A Woman’s Work” photographic shoot by Beta Bajgartova.

Into 2018

We will continue the momentum from 2017 into 2018 with more plans to enhance the experience and get out into the wider community. Some new and exciting developments in the pipeline include:

  • the installation of a ‘Tribute to Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC)’ Room
  • provision Morse Code workshops and Pop Music through the Ages radio stations
  • more pop up exhibitions and interactive retro gaming exhibitions
  • additions to the interactive IoT and Smart City Zones
  • installation of a Green Screen TV studio
  • new fun and educational digital media
  • the launch of our DEC Room
  • technology and art collaborations

So a final big thank you to everyone who has supported our museum since its inception as we continue to encourage individuals or organisations to get in contact with ideas and collaborations that will improve our learning and heritage facility.

You can contact us through Facebook or our website CCMIreland.com