> Allen’s estate, which has been managing and winding down his vast array of > holdings > since his death in 2018, confirmed to GeekWire that the 12-year-old museum is > closed for > good.
I held out hope that somehow this would not be the end of this place. Alas, it was not to be. I had the occasion to have a nice informal chat with Mr. Allen about LCM shortly after it opened. I got the clear impression that A) He was absolutely devoted and passionate about this aspect of history, B) He wanted as many people as possible to be able to experience this history *hands-on*, and C) that he wanted it to be a lasting legacy of his passion. Of course, things can change along the way, and I know that the museum was struggling with the rather enormous expenses of keeping all of the machines up and running, as well as the expertise necessary to keep them that way(even with some very gracious volunteers), not to mention all of the administrative aspects of such an endeavor. Re-creating the inter-bay wiring of the Control Data 6500, as well as keeping the refrigeration system running with unobtainium parts, by themselves, had to cost a King's Ransom. The onset of the pandemic and the absolute necessity to close a "hands on" museum made the situation even more dire. I suspect that the costs involved with trying to resurrect it in any way that would have been consistent with Mr. Allen's passion were simply unsupportable. The thing that I’m really pissed off about is that there were no updates about the status of the museum for the entire period of time since its closure until the news release today. The veil of secrecy surrounding the whole thing seems sketchy to me. Based on my admittedly short visit with him, I honestly don't think that Mr. Allen would be at all happy with the outcome and how it was managed. I will cherish the many memories of this amazing and unique place, and am grateful that Mr. Allen built and supported it during his lifetime. I am just as thankful for all of the amazing people that made the LCM what it was. Rest in Pieces, DCM (Dead Computer Museum). -Rick -- Rick Bensene The Old (and still living) Calculator Museum https://oldcalculatormuseum.com
