Behind the Screens: The Partnerships Driving Our Project
Strategic partnerships with The National Museum of Computing, DEXODUS, DECUS, and local businesses were vital. Volunteers contributed hundreds of hours restoring machines, summarising oral histories, and supporting events—demonstrating the power of community in heritage projects.
When Reading Museum set out to tell the story of Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) and Reading’s rise as an ICT hub, we knew it couldn’t be done alone. Our collection held only fragments—a DECmate III computer and a microprocessor under glass. The big picture needed skilled partnerships.
Access to the personal archive of Geoff Shingles, one of DEC’s most successful managing directors, was the turning point. From there, we began forging strategic relationships with organisations and individuals who shared a stake in this remarkable history.
The National Museum of Computing volunteers
From Bletchley to Reading: Collaboration That Made It Possible
The National Museum of Computing (TNMOC) was an early and vital partner. Based at Bletchley Park, TNMOC houses the world’s largest collection of working historic computers, including vintage DEC systems. Their expertise and artefacts brought our exhibition to life—from a PDP-11/34 once used to monitor nuclear weapons testing under a 1958 treaty, to a GT40 graphics terminal that revolutionised design and engineering. TNMOC even supported our education outreach with laptops for schools.
We also reached out to the DEC community—former employees, customers, and enthusiasts. Through surveys and conversations, we gathered oral histories and uncovered personal objects of extraordinary significance. Nearly 60 loan agreements added depth and authenticity to our display, while long-term plans aim to preserve these items for future generations.
Steering the Story: Made Possible with the National Lottery
A steering group of ex-DEC staff and customers, alongside local partners like RG Spaces, played a crucial role in shaping the project. Their insights, funding, and connections ensured our exhibition reflected the real voices behind DEC’s legacy.
As Brendan Carr, Reading Museum’s Community Engagement Curator, says:
“We saw a big story in the making. Thanks to our partners, we’ve been able to preserve this heritage and share it with more people than ever before.”
This project, funded by the National Lottery, is a testament to what collaboration can achieve—turning fragments into a story of global significance.
Return to the Reading's Digital Revolution homepage or explore the next section: Oral History Programme
