Topic overview
Briefly
- A community of vintage computer collectors is preserving classic machines that contributed to the digital revolution.
- The Vintage Computer Festival in August 2026 attracted over 3,500 attendees and featured notable figures from Apple's history.
- The growing interest in vintage computing reflects a desire to understand and celebrate the origins of technology.
What happened
In the United States, a growing community of vintage computer collectors is dedicated to preserving classic machines that played a crucial role in the digital revolution. This movement has gained momentum, particularly highlighted by the Vintage Computer Festival held in early August 2026 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California. The festival celebrated the 50th anniversary of Apple, featuring a panel with co-founders Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne, who shared memories of the company's early days. Over 3,500 attendees participated in the two-day event, reflecting the increasing interest in vintage computing.
Erik Klein, president of the Vintage Computer Federation, has been instrumental in organizing such events. He previously collected around 150 vintage computer systems but found that his hobby had overwhelmed his home life. Now, he focuses on promoting the history of computers through festivals, repair workshops, and swap meets. Klein's efforts have inspired similar events in other countries, including Argentina, Germany, and Switzerland, showcasing the global appeal of vintage computing.
Dersch, a passionate collector from Seattle, owns over 200 vintage computers and enjoys restoring them. He finds joy in debugging and repairing these machines, which allows him to understand the entire system. Dersch's exhibit at the festival included a fully functioning Xerox Alto workstation, a significant model that influenced the development of modern computers. The enthusiasm for vintage technology is evident as collectors share their experiences and knowledge with one another.
The rise in interest for vintage computers is also reflected in online marketplaces, where demand for these classic machines is increasing. Collectors like Dersch and Klein are not only preserving the history of computing but also fostering a sense of community among enthusiasts. This growing movement highlights the importance of understanding the origins of technology and the joy of engaging with the past.
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