The Minnesota Computer History Partnership
To hire a qualified project manager to assist partners in researching the history of the computer industry in Minnesota.
Partners: Minnesota High Tech Foundation, Charles Babbage Institute at the University of Minnesota, and Dakota County Historical Society
Three nonprofit organizations with a shared interest in the little-known history of Minnesota:s role in the development of the modern computer industry have come together to share their resources in a long-term partnership, which will serve scholars, educators, students, and the public. The goal is to work together to make these stories known to the public through digital media, document stories from those involved or have archival resources, and share this history with new generations of Minnesotans.
The partners have agreed to three key objectives: : Researching and collecting information on the available historical resources, artifacts, and data, now scattered among six primary organizations and a cluster of business archives in Rochester and the Twin Cities : Compiling that information into a single, shared online database and index of resources on the web that will preserve and provide access to the resources : Creating a unique set of video interviews to capture stories from those who experienced this history firsthand. These videos will be shared and used among the partners in both transcripts and video form as public education resources and future research.
This collaboration will enhance efficiency for all three organizations in collecting and sharing this rich history by reducing individual time spent by each institution and avoiding unnecessary duplication of efforts. This coordination will also lead to expanding awareness of each organization:s resources and strengthen their reputations as sources of information about this important part of Minnesota:s past.
$2,500,000 each year is for history partnerships involving multiple organizations, which may include the Minnesota Historical Society, to preserve and enhance access to Minnesota's history and cultural heritage in all regions of the state.
Available upon request. Contact:grants@mnhs.org
Overall, we believe we achieved the intended results of this project. By creating a partnership around a common interest, we not only delivered on immediate outcomes and outputs, but laid the groundwork for future collaboration because of what was achieved.
While we wish we had more time to further develop the project under this grant term, we are satisfied that both researchers and the general public will now have available a greater set of resources and information that tell the Minnesota computer history story.
Specific to the measurable outcomes:
Short term:
The 3 partner organizations have begun a long:term relationship to collaborate on historical and educational projects in this topic. This collaboration has strengthened our outreach efforts as we each promote the history of computer innovation in Minnesota.
Minnesotans including educators, researchers, technology businesses and students will now be able to learn more about the Computer History Project and the availability of related online resources as they generate new awareness.
Intermediate:
We have related and cross:linked websites featuring the collected information and links to archived materials on Minnesota:s computer history. Included will be the comprehensive and accessible and Computer History Project website.
Educators and students will be able to gain an increasing awareness of and appreciation for the historical context of the early computer development in Minnesota and the various communities that it has impacted over time because of these centralized resources.
Researchers will learn of this index and resource database, and use it to develop articles or books to further educate the public.
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Long term:
Our partners will continue to collaborate, extending the use of the materials created.
Our partnership continues to develop new resources related to computer and technology industries.
Our materials contribute to a regular presence in classrooms, at high school and collegiate levels.
The partnership will continue to work together to promote public engagement around the topic of Minnesota:s Computer History.
Available upon request, grants@mnhs.org
Charles Babbage Institute: University of Minnesota Regents: Dean E. Johnson-Board Chair, David J. McMillan- Vice Chair, Thomas J. Anderson, Richard B. Beeson, Laura M. Brod, Linda A. Cohen, Thomas W. Devine, Michael D. Hsu, Peggy E. Lucas, Abdul M. Omari, Darrin M. Rosha, Patricia S. Simmons
Dakota County Historical Society: Trustees: Tom Achartz-President, Sally Anderson -Vice President, Roberta Norris Norvoll-Secretary, Stephen Cook-Treasurer, Marty Jo Bruyer, David Byrne, Robert Damon, Jim Huffman, Greg Oxley, Theresa Palmersheim, Leslie Greaves Radloff, Leah Stanek, Dale Weeks, Chapter Representatives: Mark Kaliszewski,-South St. Paul, Richard Thill,-Genealogical Society, Heidi Langenfeld- Friends of Leduc and Historic Hastings.