The Retro-Computing Society
of Rhode Island, Inc.

Who we are

The Retro-Computing Society of Rhode Island, Inc. exists to further the preservation of historic computers and to increase the awareness of the history of computers and their development. One of our primary goals is to restore historical systems to operational condition. We currently function as a users' group for those with an interest in vintage computer hardware systems and software.

RCS/RI provide a forum for discussing, and a means for exchanging, information about computer systems and software that is of historic interest. This is done through a mailing list and this WWW site. We meet in person on the third Saturday of each month at our facility in Providence, RI and hold our monthly Open House on that day.

Founded in the autumn of 1994 as an informal association of computer- history enthusiasts, RCS/RI incorporated on 1 January, 1998 under the laws of the State of Rhode Island as a non- profit corporation and is governed by a board of directors.

We lease a 1,500 square- foot space in an old mill complex which serves as our main facility. That location is used for office space, a documentation library and media archive, and a workspace to repair systems and storage for the RCS/RI collection of historic computers. The collection may be viewed by appointment, but please contact us at least a week in advance to make arrangements if you'd like to visit on a day other than the monthly open house.

RCS/RI are based in Providence, RI with individuals from throughout southeastern New England (and a few more distant). While it was decided to start the group locally to encourage meeting in person, all are welcome to participate. There are no dues or membership fees for casual association nor is admission charged to view the collection.

Events

RCS/RI have an open house once a month. We are open from 1:00 - 8:00 but visitors are cautioned that parking before 4:00 is very difficult due to an extremely crowded parking lot. The next open house will be on July 18th, 2009.

What's new at RCS/RI?

RCS/RI was the subject of a feature article in the Providence Journal on Sept. 5, 1998.

Collections

RCS/RI have an extensive collection of systems dating from as early as 1961, many of which are large minicomputers. Highlights of the collection include a Packard Bell 250, Symbolics 3600, Interdata Model 4, EAI PACE TR-10 analog computer, Digital LINC-8, PDP-12, and DECSYSTEM-1090.

In addition to the RCS/RI collection, most individuals associated with RCS/RI maintain private collections containing systems ranging from minicomputers exemplified by the Honeywell 316, Digital's PDP-8, Data General's Nova/Eclipse line, and Digital's pdp11 to superminis such as Digital's VAX-11 series.

Visit the virtual retro-computing museums that highlight our members' personal vintage computer collections.

Classifieds

Check out the retro want ads. For sale, trade or wanted to buy. If you would like to contribute an ad send a description, price info and how you can be contacted.

The Retro Classifieds are available online.

References

References to off-site retro info.

Contact Information

Contact information for the RCS/RI is available online. Directions to the RCS/RI facility are also online.