Derby Computer Museum

Derby Computer Museum is a UK-based nonprofit organization and registered charity (number 1199054) dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of computing. The museum focuses on exhibiting and maintaining computer and gaming technology primarily from before 1999, with an emphasis on interactive, hands-on experiences for visitors. It is run entirely by volunteers and is located in Derby, England.

Mission and Activities

The museum's core mission is to preserve computing history, educate the public, and provide an enjoyable leisure activity through interactive exhibits. It aims to advance public understanding of the evolution of computers and game consoles from the 1960s onwards by maintaining operational exhibits that visitors can see, touch, and use, replicating the experience of computing in past decades. This includes activities like playing games on vintage consoles such as Nintendo and Sinclair, writing BASIC programs on a BBC Micro, or using a mini vintage music studio.

The museum also serves educational and community purposes by providing school field trips for both primary and secondary students and work experience opportunities for young adults with special educational needs. Additionally, it offers unique events such as exclusive museum use for birthdays, corporate fun days, and promotes volunteer involvement for skills development[1][2][3][5].

Exhibits and Experience

Derby Computer Museum is known for its six themed rooms filled with a broad range of computing artifacts, most of which are kept in working condition to give an authentic hands-on experience. The exhibits include early home computers, vintage gaming consoles, portable computing devices, and related technology illustrating the development of computing over several decades. Visitors can engage with nostalgic games like Pacman and Mario Kart, highlighting the museum’s goal of making history enjoyable and accessible for all ages.

Some exhibits, especially fragile or rare portable machines (such as PDAs or early laptops), may not be generally accessible but can be demonstrated upon request, ensuring preservation alongside usability[1][5].

Community Engagement and Operations

The museum relies on donations—both monetary and exhibit-based—and sponsorship to support its operations. It offers gift vouchers and organizes special events to foster community involvement. Volunteer participation is vital to the museum’s success, with about 25 volunteers supporting its activities alongside a small team of trustees. The charity’s income and expenditure for the financial year ending April 2024 were approximately £22,571 and £16,264 respectively, reflecting careful financial stewardship dedicated to the museum’s educational and preservation goals[1][3].

Accessibility

Derby Computer Museum is open to the public, with regular opening hours on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., allowing visitors ample opportunity to explore the museum’s collections and interact with the technology firsthand[5].

Derby Computer Museum stands as a vibrant centre preserving the legacy of computing while engaging new generations through interactive learning and community involvement. Its volunteer-led model and charitable status support its educational mission and ensure ongoing preservation of computing history for public benefit.

[1] https://www.derbycomputermuseum.co.uk [2] https://www.derbycomputermuseum.co.uk/our-mission [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5199580/charity-overview [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5199580/contact-information [5] https://www.visitderby.co.uk/listings/derby-computer-museum