NEWS ITEMS
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2024
Computer Museum of America Acquires Collection from
Living Computers Museum and Estate of Paul G. Allen
Wide Range of Artifacts and Exhibit Materials Will Enhance and Expand
Acclaimed Computer Museum’s Reach and Programs
SEATTLE – September 12, 2024 – Computer Museum of America (CMoA) and the Estate of Paul G. Allen today announced that CMoA had acquired all remaining historical computing and technology artifacts and systems, the full range of storytelling content and museum exhibits, and a range of educational materials previously housed at Living Computers Museum (LCM). Terms of the deal with CMoA were not disclosed. All estate proceeds from the CMoA acquisition will be dedicated to philanthropy per Allen’s wishes.
The acclaimed Computer Museum of America, a nonprofit museum in Roswell, Georgia (20 minutes north of Atlanta), launched in 2019. Its mission is to preserve the stories and artifacts from the digital age while educating and inspiring visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Founded by computer aficionado and 40-year collector Lonnie Mimms, the 501(c)3 nonprofit institution has evolved into one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of computing artifacts, preserving the history of computing for future generations.
“We couldn’t be more proud to carry on the legacy of the former Living Computers Museum, and Paul Allen’s passion for the history of computing, its evolution, and its global impact,” said Lonnie Mimms, founder of Computer Museum of America. “Our institution has worked for years to preserve and protect such technology as a critical record of the innovation process, and the chance to steward thousands of items from LCM will further enhance our mission to share and celebrate these important stories.”
The diverse collection of computer systems acquired by CMoA illustrates remarkable advancements across all eras of computing technology. The addition of LCM’s former artifacts complements CMoA’s current collection and assures the collection from Seattle is preserved and maintained for public exhibition, education, and study. In addition, CMoA acquired compelling exhibit and educational content from LCM in furtherance of CMoA’s mission to inspire the next generation of innovators, programmers, and computer enthusiasts.
Since its founding, CMoA exhibits and programs have included a showcase of artifacts from NASA’s Apollo Space Program, a groundbreaking exhibit about microchips from 1940 to 2020, one of the largest exhibits of supercomputers in the world, a STEAM timeline, and an Enigma Machine exhibit, among many others. In spring 2026, CMoA will launch its most ambitious project to date, Fifty Years of Innovation at Apple, an unparalleled look at Apple’s contributions to the tech industry and society.
Living Computers Museum, founded in 2012 and closed in 2020, was created by the late Paul G. Allen, philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder, to showcase historical computing and its essential role in today’s technological innovations. A curated selection of artifacts previously exhibited at LCM – among broader collectibles, artifacts, and art owned by his estate – were featured in the recent Gen One: Innovations from the Paul G. Allen Collection auction series presented by Christie’s (proceeds from which are also dedicated to philanthropy). In addition, earlier this summer, some of LCM’s emulator offerings, remote systems, and software preservation efforts were acquired by SDF.org, a mission-driven nonprofit focused on preserving and celebrating computer history.
About the Computer Museum of America
The Computer Museum of America is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of computing and its impact on our society. Through interactive experiences, educational programs, and engaging events, CMoA provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of technology and its profound influence on our lives. For more information, visit thecmoa.org.
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For more information, press only:
Amanda Leesburg
amanda@lessburgpr.com
404-218-6578
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