About Us

Save the Machine is the brainchild of Ben and Derek, both vintage computing enthusiasts. The idea was first proposed in September 2014. Ben and Derek displayed some of their personal collection at a local makerspace. Unfortunately, in July 2017, a fire destroyed the makerspace and the original Save the Machine display was destroyed. While the makerspace was a total loss, the organization rebuilt itself in a new location and allowed Ben and Derek to build a new display.

Later that summer, Ben and Derek met Brandon. Brandon was a board member of the makerspace and shared the same passion for vintage technology and education. The three of them along with a few other members formally applied for non-profit status for Save the Machine. This allowed Save the Machine to transform from a small display in the corner of a makerspace into its own 501(c)(3) organization.

In 2019, Save the Machine leased a space in Hudson, NC. This allowed us to have a museum that was open to the public to visit, learn, and explore. Save the Machine facilitated group meetings and organized events like Retro-Gaming Nights. Unfortunately, due to the on-set of the pandemic in early 2020, an increase in our lease price, and an inability to have people visit our museum, Save the Machine moved our equipment into storage.

Currently, we are focusing on mobile displays and conventions to share our mission. While we hope to move back into a permanent location, we haven't been able to find a suitable location that fits our budget.