{{primary sources|date=July 2025}} {{short description|Computer history museum in Tukwila, Washington}} {{Infobox museum | name = Interim Computer Museum | location = Tukwila, Washington, United States | coordinates = {{Coord|47.4489|-122.2473|format=dms|type:landmark_region:US-WA|display=inline,title}} | type = Computer history museum | website = [https://icm.museum icm.museum] | founder = Affiliated with SDF Public Access UNIX System | established = 2024 }}
The '''Interim Computer Museum''' ('''ICM''') is a non-profit organization based in Tukwila, Washington, United States. It focuses on the preservation, restoration, and public exhibition of vintage computing hardware and software. The museum operates as a 501(c)(3) organization and is affiliated with the SDF Public Access Unix System, a 501(c)(7) member-supported initiative.<ref name="home">{{cite web |title=The Interim Computer Museum |url=https://icm.museum/ |website=icm.museum |access-date=2025-07-31}}</ref>
== Collections == The museum works to preserve and document the evolution of computing through hands-on, functional exhibits. It maintains historically significant hardware and software while providing public access to operational legacy systems. The museum integrates modern interfaces and remote access capabilities to facilitate education and research.
The museum holds approximately 6,000 computing artifacts, including minicomputers, workstations, computer terminals, magnetic media, documentation, and software. Cataloging efforts are ongoing. The collection is actively maintained and augmented through donations and targeted acquisitions.<ref name="collections">{{cite web |title=Collections at the Interim Computer Museum |url=https://icm.museum/?collections |website=icm.museum |access-date=2025-07-31}}</ref> It includes part of the former collection of the Living Computers: Museum + Labs, which closed in 2020.<ref name="icm">{{cite web |url=https://icm.museum/?faq |title=Frequently Asked Questions |work=Interim Computer Museum |access-date=October 24, 2025}}</ref>
== Exhibits and systems == ICM restores and operates legacy computing systems with an emphasis on original functionality. These systems are accessible for interactive use on-site and remotely for members.<ref name="recollections">{{cite web |title=Shared recollections at the Interim Computer Museum |url=https://icm.museum/?recollections |website=icm.museum |access-date=2025-07-31}}</ref> Restoration includes preservation of rare hardware and recovery of original software environments.
== Events ==
The museum hosts public events and community meetups, including the Interim Computer Festival, which attracts retrocomputing enthusiasts, collectors, and exhibitors. Events are held at INTRASPACE in Seattle and other partner venues.<ref name="events">{{cite web |title=Upcoming and Past Events |url=https://icm.museum/?events |website=icm.museum |access-date=2025-07-31}}</ref>
== Location and visiting ==
The museum is located at 998 Industry Drive, Tukwila, Washington. It is open to members by appointment and during scheduled hours, typically Sundays and Mondays from 10:00 to 17:00.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |title=Visiting the Interim Computer Museum |url=https://icm.museum/?visit |website=icm.museum |access-date=2025-07-31}}</ref>
== Membership and governance == ICM offers tiered membership levels with benefits including museum access, event participation, and remote system access. Membership fees support operational costs, acquisitions, and restoration projects.<ref name="join">{{cite web |title=Join the Interim Computer Museum |url=https://icm.museum/?join |website=icm.museum |access-date=2025-07-31}}</ref>
The museum is managed by a small team of caretakers and volunteers. It is funded through memberships, donations, and community support. Governance aligns with its non-profit status and educational charter.
== Reports and activities ==
ICM publishes monthly ''Vintage Systems Reports'' that document restoration progress, system milestones, and community engagement. Notable highlights include:
* '''October 2024''': Launch of the BOOTSTRAP membership tier and preparations for the Interim Computer Festival.<ref name="reports-oct2024">{{cite web |title=Vintage Systems Report — October 2024 |url=https://icm.museum/?reports?202410 |website=icm.museum |access-date=2025-07-31}}</ref> * '''November 2024''': Six JSYS+ members visited during Thanksgiving weekend. Events hosted at INTRASPACE.<ref name="reports-nov2024">{{cite web |title=Vintage Systems Report — November 2024 |url=https://icm.museum/?reports?202411 |website=icm.museum |access-date=2025-07-31}}</ref> * '''January 2025''': Focused on the continued operation of M‑NET, one of the oldest public access UNIX systems.<ref name="reports-jan2025">{{cite web |title=Vintage Systems Report — January 2025 |url=https://icm.museum/?reports?202501 |website=icm.museum |access-date=2025-07-31}}</ref> * '''April 2025''': Public visiting hours confirmed and facility location documented.<ref name="reports-apr2025">{{cite web |title=Vintage Systems Report — April 2025 |url=https://icm.museum/?reports?202504 |website=icm.museum |access-date=2025-07-31}}</ref> * '''May 2025''': Regular operations reaffirmed at the Tukwila location.<ref name="reports-may2025">{{cite web |title=Vintage Systems Report — May 2025 |url=https://icm.museum/?reports?202505 |website=icm.museum |access-date=2025-07-31}}</ref>
These reports provide visibility into technical milestones, membership activity, infrastructure, and event hosting.
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == * [https://icm.museum Official website]
Category:Museums in King County, Washington Category:Computer museums in the United States Category:History museums in Washington (state)