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.