DEC 60th Anniversary Displays (2024)

A Brief History of DEC

To mark the 60th anniversary of Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) in the UK, a special display 'A Brief History of DEC' was created in 2024 celebrating the company’s legacy in Reading.

This display offered visitors a concise history of DEC’s pioneering role in computing and its deep connections to the local community.

A Brief History of DEC exhibition

Featuring rare artifacts, working DEC machines, and interpretive panels, the display provided an engaging introduction to the story of innovation that began in Reading and influenced the wider UK tech landscape. Co-curated with former DEC employees and local partners, it captured personal memories alongside technical milestones, ensuring the human side of computing was not forgotten.

As a research-led project, the anniversary display served as an important precursor to the development of the main exhibition. It helped shape themes, gather oral histories, and test ideas for presenting Reading’s digital heritage in a way that resonates with today’s audiences and future generations.

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Digital Britain – The Road from Reading at TNMOC

The exhibition at the National Museum of Computing (TNMOC) was widely praised as a landmark celebration of Britain’s computing heritage. It combined scholarly depth with hands-on excitement, offering visitors the rare chance to see working DEC systems in action alongside beautifully curated timelines and personal stories.

Its immersive design made complex technical history accessible and engaging, while the collaborative approach—bringing together museums, volunteers, and former DEC staff—gave the display authenticity and heart. By blending artifacts, interactive experiences, and oral histories, the exhibition not only honored DEC’s legacy but also reaffirmed Reading’s pivotal role in shaping the UK’s digital future.