Macintosh SE Personal Computer – 1987 40 years ago, Apple presented the Macintosh personal computer to the world. The Mac introduced the revolutionary graphic user interface (GUI), allowing users to click on icons for the programs they wanted to run instead of typing out names of programs on command lines. With the GUI, built-in-screen, and… Continue reading
Model Submarine
Model Submarine – Nautilus SSN 571 70 years ago in January 1954, the world’s first nuclear powered submarine was launched. Named after Captain Nemo’s submarine from the 1870 novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, the Nautilus was a large vessel at 323 feet long with a crew of 104. However, her pressurized-water nuclear reactor… Continue reading
Vote for the Saint Louis Science Center!
The Saint Louis Science Center has been recognized as one of the top science centers and free museums in the United States of America! We’re honored that Newsweek magazine has nominated our institution for their Readers’ Choice Award in the Best Free Museum category. We hope that you will vote for us! Voting has… Continue reading
Victrola Phonograph Record
Victrola Phonograph Record – “A Perfect Day” by Carrie-Jacobs Bond, 1914 Do you know who the first female music publisher was? Her name was Carrie Jacobs-Bond, a singer, songwriter, and pianist who formed her own publishing company in 1896 after the male-dominated music industry refused to publish her compositions. She became hugely popular worldwide, and… Continue reading
HOCKEY: NHL Technology Presentation
On Sunday August 21, members of the NHL’s Technical Team were at the Saint Louis Science Center to discuss the evolution of technology used by players, coaches and referees to make in-game decisions. These experts showcased some of the technology used right here in St. Louis’ Enterprise Center during St. Louis Blues games. Guests had… Continue reading
Ancient Oil Lamp ca. 3rd – 4th century AD
This bronze double-wicked oil lamp from Ancient Rome features a winged dragon handle and an owl decorated lid covering the body opening. In some cases, oil lamps were a status symbol in the ancient world. Wealthy families used and displayed lamps made of metal, a higher quality material than stone, clay, shell, or glass. Many… Continue reading
Quackery Device, “Electricity is Life” Machine ca. 1899-1909
“Electricity is Life” by Midland Manufacturing was one of the best-selling, coin-operated electric shock machines in the early 20th century. Produced from 1899 to 1909, it was advertised as both a strength tester and electrical therapy device. For only a penny, patrons would receive a “healthy” electrical shock to treat a variety of potential ailments.… Continue reading
Atari 2600 1982
Founded in 1972, Atari was among the first video game companies and the inventors of the first successful arcade game, Pong. Recognizing the desire for home video game systems, the Atari Video Computer System was introduced in September 1977. It came packaged with two joystick controllers, a pair of paddle controllers, and a game cartridge.… Continue reading
Artifact of the Week: Telegraph Key ca. 1910s
With a marble base and brass hardware, this Boston Telegraph Key was made in Massachusetts by the Clapp-Eastham Company. Telegraph key is a general term for any switching device used to send Morse code. From 1844 right up until World War II, the telegraph was the principal means of fast long-distance communication. Connect with… Continue reading
The James Webb Space Telescope – Ready to Launch!
The James Webb Space Telescope is the largest, most powerful space telescope ever built. Learn more about the telescope before the launch on Dec. 25! Visit NASA’s website to learn more about the James Webb Space Telescope!