Technology's Presence Grows at Museums

Rising computer sales and soaring Internet usage are just a hint of the public's growing interest in technology.

Indeed, the march of technology has become such a powerful force in society that entire museums are now being founded to help explain it. One is the Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose, Calif., which opened last fall at a cost of $96 million.

"We are a museum that's focused solely on technology and how it changes every aspect of the way we live, work, play and learn," said Kris Covarrubias, spokeswoman for the museum, which is nicknamed The Tech.

"People are seeing that the technology touches so many different parts of their lives," she said. "Our goal is to be an educational organization that inspires the innovator in everyone."

Having an entire technology museum is nice. But in most places in the United States, that mission falls well within the reach of more traditional science museums.

And many have been seizing the opportunity.

In Boston, for example, the Museum of Science announced in April that it was joining forces with The Computer Museum.

"When The Computer Museum was founded in 1979, the computer was still a novelty to many people. Today, computing is part of everyday life, and it's important that we now act to broaden the reach and impact of our award-winning exhibits and programs," Computer Museum Chairman Larry Weber said.

"In joining forces with the Museum of Science, we are creating an organization that will provide Boston-area residents and visitors with a broader understanding of the worlds of science and technology, as they continue to converge into the next century."

A current Museum of Science exhibit, called "Messages," explores the world of communications in part by including the example of the Internet and its World Wide Web. "Our mission is science and technology," said Brian Worobey, a museum vice president. "We're helping people see the relevance of science and technology to them and their ability to see the world."

The combination of science museums and technology has a lot to offer.

For adults and children, there's the fun of learning about exciting new developments in computers and telecommunications.