Guardians of the Digital Past
An exploration of the IT History Society's mission to preserve and study the rich history of information technology.
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About the IT History Society
Mission and Purpose
The IT History Society (ITHS) is a dedicated organization committed to promoting and facilitating the preservation and scholarly study of information technology history. It serves as a crucial "table of contents," guiding researchers to vital historical information. The society actively advises historians, fosters collaboration among academic institutions and museums, and assists information technology corporations in preparing and archiving their histories for future study.
Global Reach and Origins
Originally established as the Charles Babbage Foundation, the IT History Society was formed in 2007. It operates on a worldwide scale, serving a global community interested in the evolution of information technology. The society's foundation is rooted in the legacy of pioneers like Charles Babbage, whose work laid the groundwork for modern computing.
Community and Leadership
With a membership exceeding 700 individuals, the IT History Society represents a significant community of scholars, professionals, and enthusiasts. The organization is guided by a Board of Directors, with Jeffery Stein currently serving as Chairman. This structure ensures dedicated leadership focused on advancing the society's objectives.
Key Activities and Resources
Information Dissemination
ITHS provides essential background information for those interested in IT history. This includes guidance on conducting historical research and advice on how historical activities can benefit private sector organizations. The society meticulously tracks historical projects, noting those seeking funding as well as those currently underway or completed.
Publicly Accessible Databases
The society maintains several publicly available online resources:
- Events Lists: Chronological records of significant events in IT history.
- IT History Resources: A curated collection of valuable research materials.
- IT Honor Roll: Acknowledging over 700 individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to the information technology industry.
- Technical Quotes Database: A compilation of over 1,000 notable technology-related quotes.
Archival Aggregation Project
A significant ongoing initiative is the aggregation of IT history archival information from locations worldwide. This project aims to create a comprehensive international database of historical and archival sites, thereby facilitating and encouraging IT history research and scholarship. This database currently encompasses over 49.8 million documents across 1,663 collections.
Evolution of the Society
Early Foundations
The roots of the IT History Society trace back to 1978 with the founding of the International Charles Babbage Society in Palo Alto, California. By 1979, the American Federation of Information Processing Societies (AFIPS) became a principal sponsor, leading to its renaming as the Charles Babbage Institute (CBI).
University Partnership
In 1980, the institute relocated to the University of Minnesota, which entered into an agreement to sponsor and house the CBI. The Charles Babbage Foundation (CBF) was subsequently established in partnership with the university to support and govern the institute. By 1989, CBI was formally recognized as an organized research unit of the university.
Broadening Scope and Renaming
Around the year 2000, the CBF expanded its mission to support the broader IT history community through collaborations with organizations like the Sloan Foundation, the Software History Center, and the Computer History Museum. This evolution culminated in 2007 when the Charles Babbage Foundation officially changed its name to the IT History Society, redesigning its programs to better serve the entire IT history community.
The Charles Babbage Institute
Academic Hub
The Charles Babbage Institute (CBI), a research center at the University of Minnesota, specializes in the history of information technology. Its focus spans digital computing, software development, and computer networking from 1935 onwards. Named in honor of Charles Babbage, the institute is housed within the Elmer L. Andersen Library on the University of Minnesota's Minneapolis campus.
Research and Support
CBI actively conducts and publishes historical and archival research, promoting the international study of IT history. It supports emerging scholars by offering graduate fellowships and travel grants. The institute also organizes conferences and workshops, and engages in public programming to disseminate knowledge about IT's past.
Oral Histories
A particularly valuable asset of CBI is its extensive collection of over 400 oral history interviews. These interviews with key figures in early computing provide crucial, often unique, insights into developments that were poorly documented at the time. Most of these transcribed oral histories are accessible online, serving as a priceless resource for historians.
Archival Collections and Pioneers
Diverse Holdings
The CBI's archival collection is remarkably diverse, encompassing manuscripts, records of professional associations, significant corporate archives (including those of Burroughs Corporation and Control Data Corporation), trade publications, periodicals, technical manuals, product literature, and extensive photographic materials.
Notable Contributors
The institute holds archival papers and oral histories from a distinguished roster of computing pioneers. These individuals represent foundational contributions across various facets of information technology.
Comprehensive IT History Resources
Databases and Collections
Beyond the extensive archival papers and oral histories, ITHS actively develops and maintains specialized databases. These include detailed entries for IT hardware, a growing list of notable technology quotes, and an IT Honor Roll recognizing significant industry figures. Databases for IT software and companies are also planned for future release.
Collaboration and Outreach
The society serves as an international clearinghouse for IT history resources. It actively encourages research by providing access to its collections and supporting academic endeavors through fellowships and grants. By fostering connections between researchers, institutions, and corporations, ITHS ensures the continued vitality of IT history scholarship.
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References
References
- M. Mitchell Waldrop, The Dream Machine: J.C.R. Licklider and the Revolution That Made Computing Personal (2001): quote p. 483.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy based on the provided source, it is not a substitute for direct consultation of primary sources or expert academic research.
This content is not professional advice. The information presented here is not intended as a substitute for professional historical consultation, archival research, or expert analysis of information technology history. Always consult official documentation and qualified professionals for specific research needs.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.