Mike Markkula collection of early Apple Computer material, 1977-1998, bulk Bulk, 1979-1985

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Summary

Creators:
Markkula, Armas Clifford (Mike), Jr.
Abstract:
The Mike Markkula collection of early Apple Computer material consists of material produced or collected by Markkula during his time at Apple Computer, Inc. in various capacities from CEO to chairman of the board. Ranging in date from 1977 to 1998, the collection includes Apple marketing, public relations, dealer and consultant materials, manuals, and software. There is also a small amount of software and manuals produced by companies other than Apple.
Extent:
11.0 Linear feet, 6 record cartons, 2 periodical boxes, 2 oversize boxes
Language:
Preferred citation:

[Identification of Item], [Date], Mike Markkula collection of early Apple Computer material, X4554.2007, Box [#], Folder [#], Catalog [#], Computer History Museum.

Background

Scope and content:

The Mike Markkula collection of early Apple Computer material consists of Apple and non-Apple materials from 1977 through 1998, including a copy of the Apple marketing philosophy Markkula authored, marketing materials from the early years of the company such as annual report and stock options, and public relations materials including articles published between 1979 and 1983 featuring profiles or information on Markkula, Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, John Scully, Apple Inc. and their products. There are also newsletters and other documents related to the Apple II and IIe which were produced for users, dealers, and Apple consultants. The majority of the collection is made up of manuals for the use of the Apple II, Apple IIe, Apple III and related or compatible software and hardware. There is also a collection of manuals for software programs published by Apple, Claris, and non-Apple companies. Software makes up approximately one third of the collection.

Biographical / historical:

Armas Clifford (Mike) Markkula, Jr. was born February 11, 1942 in Los Angeles, California. Markkula attended Glendale Junior College for two years before transferring to the University of Southern California where he earned his bachelor’s (1964) and master’s degrees (1966) in electrical engineering. While an undergraduate student Markkula began working at Hughes Aircraft Company in the Research and Development Laboratory. He continued with Hughes until graduation, when he accepted a position with Fairchild Semiconductor as a product marketing manager. After approximately four years Markkula left Fairchild to join Intel as a marketing director. In 1974 at the age of 32 Markkula retired on the basis of stock options.

In 1977 Markkula was introduced to Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak through Don Valentine. Markkula was so impressed by the computer that Steve Wozniak had designed and built that he offered to help write a business plan. Shortly thereafter Markkula invested in Apple and began working for the company, bringing business experience and connections in the venture capital industry to the company. As the third employee, he not only helped to manage the company, but he also mentored the young founders during Apple’s early period of extreme growth. In addition, Markkula wrote some of the early software programs for the Apple II under the pseudonym Johnny Appleseed. Markkula was Apple’s second CEO from 1981 to 1983, and served as chairman from 1985 to 1997, when he again retired.

In 1986 Markkula provided the initial funding for what is now known as the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University. Since his retirement from Apple Markkula has continued to act as an angel investor in a range of companies, including Echelon Corporation.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Mike Markkula, 2007.
Processing information:

Collection surveyed by Sydney Gulbronson Olson, 2017. Collection processed by Jack Doran, December 2018.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged into 5 series:

Series 1, Internal materials, 1977-1984

Series 2, Apple user groups, 1977-1983

Series 3, Apple dealer records, 1978-1982

Series 4, Manuals, 1978-1994, bulk 1978-1984

Series 5, Software, 1978-1998, bulk 1979-1985

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The Computer History Museum (CHM) can only claim physical ownership of the collection. Users are responsible for satisfying any claims of the copyright holder. Requests for copying and permission to publish, quote, or reproduce any portion of the Computer History Museum’s collection must be obtained jointly from both the copyright holder (if applicable) and the Computer History Museum.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of Item], [Date], Mike Markkula collection of early Apple Computer material, X4554.2007, Box [#], Folder [#], Catalog [#], Computer History Museum.

Location of this collection:
1401 Shoreline Blvd.
Mountain View, CA 94043, US
Contact:
(650) 810-1010
research@computerhistory.org
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