Jump to Content

Collection Guide
Collection Title:
Collection Number:
Get Items:
Guide to the Community Memory records
X3090.2005  
View entire collection guide What's This?
Search this collection
Collection Overview
 
Table of contents What's This?
Description
The Community Memory records are made up of material from 1974 to 2000, with the bulk from 1974 to 1991, that document the development and implementation of the first computer-based public bulletin board, Community Memory (CM), which was created and operated by a cooperative nonprofit entity called the Community Memory Project, based in Berkeley, California. CM-specific material includes administrative records, promotional material, discussion board printouts, usage statistics, designs and specifications, manuals, and training records. Also included are materials collected, but not created, by CM, including reports and essays, computing manuals, books, conference and workshop material, and articles and newsletters. The majority of the non-CM material reflects the sociopolitical ethos of CM, focusing on social issues and technology.
Background
Community Memory (CM) was the first computer-based public bulletin board, operating from 1973 through 1992 with most terminals located in public spaces in Berkeley, California, such as libraries, senior centers, co-ops, and laundromats. Born out of the Free Speech and countercultural movements of the 1960s, CM's purpose was to provide a free community-based space that linked people together through the unmediated sharing of ideas and knowledge, collective planning, and classified ads via messages and discussion forums.
Extent
32.59 Linear feet, 21 record cartons, 3 manuscript boxes, and 5 custom boxes of varying sizes
Restrictions
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 as owner of the material.
Availability
Materials in boxes 6, 9, and 12 contain social security numbers. Researchers must use redacted photocopies of this restricted material for research. All other material is open for research.