Making IT Work

In May 2017 the National Museum of Computing and the BCS Computer Conservation Society are organizing a joint two-day meeting on the practice of computer conservation “Making IT Work”. The aim of the meeting is to bring together worldwide experience of computer and software conservation practice. The meeting will be over two days, as follows: (Each lecture title is is link to the corresponding summary.)

Monday 22nd May 2017

Formal Conference at the BCS HQ, Southampton Street, London.

10:00-10:25 Registration (tea and coffee will be provided)
10:25-10:30 David Morriss: Introduction & Welcome
10:30-11:00 Doron Swade: “The Historical Utility of Reconstruction and Restoration”
11:00-11:30 Andrew Herbert et al: “Building the EDSAC Replica”
11:30-12:00 Chris Burton: “Maintainability and Sustainability Issues in Restored and Replicated Computer Systems”
12:00-12:30 Discussion on Utility, Management, and Sustainability
12:30-13:30 Lunch
13:30-14:15 John Chilvers: “Curatorial Lessons from Other Operational Preservationists”
14:15-15:00 Robert Garner: “Restoring and Exhibiting 1960s Vintage Computers at the Computer History Museum”
15:00-15:30 Break (tea & coffee)
15:30-16:15 Nicholas Hekman et al: “IBM System/360 Printer Revitalization at TechWorks!”
16:15-17:00 Johannes Blobel and Jochen Viehoff: The New Public Engagement in Computer Museums and the History of Computing Machines Engagement”
17:00-17:15 Close of conference
19:00 Dinner at Bella Italia

Tuesday 23rd May 2017

Workshop on Computer Restoration at TNMoC, Bletchley Park.

The workshop will focus on the museum’s principal restoration projects including the Colossus, the Harwell Dekatron Computer, the EDSAC, the ICL 2966, and the IRIS air-traffic control software. The workshop will effectively be a conversation to share practical experience.

10:30-11:00 Arrival (tea & coffee)
11:00-11:15 Andrew Herbert & Martin Campbell-Kelly Welcome and introduction
11:15-13:00 Delwyn Holroyd: “Restoration and Operation of the ICL 2966”
Ben Trethowan: “Capturing, Restoring, and Presenting the Independent Radar Investigation System (IRIS)”
Phil Hayes and John Whetter: “Colossus: The Light Is on But the Door is Shut”
Peter Linington: “Constructing and Testing a Replica Store for the EDSAC”
Kevin Murrell: “The Harwell Dekatron Computer”
13:00-13:45 Lunch
13:45-16:45 Demonstrations (tea and coffee will be available throughout)
16:45 Close

Administration Arrangements

There will be a modest fee of £22.50 for attendance at this conference to cover lunch, printing and other costs. Dinner on the 22nd is optional and will cost an additional £25 (drinks payable on the day). Click the icon below to book.

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