Dear VCF Members, I am very pleased to share with you that there have been amazing improvements in our museum recently. Since joining the Steering Committee, and subsequently being voted as the Museum Manager, Doug Crawford has been unstoppable! He is regularly at the museum, both to perform docent duties, and to work on various projects/improvements. Here are just some of the many recent accomplishments that have resulted from his actions and leadership. - A testimonial video for our Wang 4000 was made with Ramsey Mahadeen and published on YouTube. - The HP 1000 power has been wired, the machine repaired, documented, and is now operable by docents. - Our PDP-8 was repaired by David G. at the last workshop. - A Microvax II is installed in the museum and is usable. It is attached to the DEC Robin as an AUX terminal. - Detailed museum opening and closing procedure checklists have been written and are in use. This ensures consistent handling of artifacts and makes it easier for new docents to perform these duties correctly. - A better description of the museum, updated and approved by the Steering Committee, has been provided to InfoAge for inclusion in their new handouts. - Unused floor space under computer exhibit racks were fitted with curtains to allow that area to be used for storage, in conditioned space, for some artifacts previously housed in the warehouse, as well as to clear space in the docent area to provide more workspace. - Doug acquired three, good quality, used medical carts. They will be outfitted with tools, and have wheels so they can be easily moved where needed to assist in working on equipment in the museum and warehouse. _____________________________ In other exciting news, the Steering Committee has voted to approve an official Mission/Vision Statement for our Wall, NJ museum. Inspired by our host, InfoAge, and in partnership with them as a learning center, we believe it is important to have a clear goal, mission, and vision for our museum. This Mission Statement will be incorporated into the Steering Committee's by-laws, will be proudly displayed in our museum, and will be used (as appropriate) in publications and advertisements. Until we have the opportunity to post it on our website, the content is provided below. I hope you agree with me that this is a very meaningful addition to our charter. Since becoming affiliated with VCF several years ago, I have witnessed exceptional growth in all aspects of the organization. Between the museum, VCF-East, events like workshops and swap-meets, member participation, artifacts, organizational structure, etc., I feel that we have grown and improved far from where we started, while still holding onto the things that make us great, foremost of which is our awesome community. I have high hopes that we can continue this trend with the help of all our brilliant members. Sincerely, Chris Fala Chairman of the Mid-Atlantic Steering Committee of the Vintage Computer Federation _____________________________ *The Mission and Vision of* *the Vintage Computer Federation Museum in Wall, NJ* *A Computer History Learning Center* *MISSION* To honor and propagate the history of computer innovation by preserving and exhibiting artifacts in a uniquely hands-on experience for the education of the public, edification of our membership, and inspiration of a new generation of thinkers, dreamers, and visionaries. *VISION* *Develop* a growing museum and knowledgeable docent staff. Rescue, preserve, and restore artifacts. Create interesting, educational, functional, and interactive exhibits. *Establish* educational tours, demonstrations, talks, and hands-on learning opportunities around the multi-faceted technological evolutions in computer subjects. These include hardware, operating systems, programming languages, applications/software, user interfaces, communications and networking, and gaming. *Instill* an appreciation of the evolution of technology by connecting tech of the past to tech of today. *Illuminate* our artifacts with information about the people, events, culture, and trivia in computer history. *Inspire* youth to continue the quest; help them realize that they are the future and give them a vision for that future. Provide avenues for them to get started learning electronics and programming. *Cultivate* a community of vintage technology enthusiasts by engaging them with the VCF in its mission, and provide opportunities to get involved. *Grow *the museum by promoting far and wide its value and educational experience. Increase attendance and revenue to InfoAge, encourage the increase in donations to the VCF. Establish that we are worthy of being the beneficiaries of significant, notable, or important artifact donations and monetary support, in particular from industry and influential entities. *ASPIRATIONS* ● To be regarded as a premier computer history learning center and museum ● To be regarded as a must-see destination for all levels of interest, from those casually intrigued with computer history to students studying technology to technology industry veterans to vintage computer hobbyists ● To embody these goals both in our current museum even more so in our future expanded museum