The Rumble Museum Seeks Public Support for New Technology Displays

The Rumble Museum, situated at Cheney School in Oxford, cordially invites members of the public to participate in the development of new exhibits centred on the history of technology. In collaboration with the History of Science Museum, the Rumble Museum is making preparations to introduce fresh displays within its Lane Building, complementing the existing ‘Technology through Time’ collection. This current assemblage already features a captivating assortment of technological antiquities such as a 1950s Bakelite Television, a phonograph and cylinders, a 1930s gramophone, and a 1950s radio. Additionally, the collection boasts an electric typewriter, mobile phones from the 1990s and 2000s, and various other items.

The museum is keen to involve the broader community in this endeavour, extending a warm invitation for donations or loans of technological items from any epoch. It also intends to engage year nine history students in the project, affording them the opportunity to interact with both existing and newly contributed artefacts. The students will play a pivotal role in collaboratively devising displays that seek to animate the histories of these objects.

Beyond the quest for tangible contributions, the museum is eager to garner personal recollections and experiences linked to the featured technologies. To facilitate this, a collection and exhibition event has been scheduled for March 19. This occasion assures a diverse array of exhibits and welcomes members of the public to narrate their anecdotes and showcase their antiques. Accessible to individuals of all ages, this complimentary event encourages those with stories or antiques to contribute to contact via email at [email protected].

The school administration has underscored its commitment to upholding this initiative as a respectful and engaging community project. It underscores that comments related to this endeavour should be constructive and enriching, functioning as a forum for readers to engage in substantive debate and deliberation on crucial local issues. Furthermore, the school has delineated its protocol for commenting on the initiative, stipulating that the privilege to participate in this discourse may be revoked in the event of misuse or abuse.

Ultimately, the Rumble Museum’s call for public involvement in its novel technology displays offers a distinctive opportunity for individuals to contribute to and interact with the rich history of technological innovation. It also serves as a testament to the museum’s dedication to fostering community engagement and safeguarding the diverse narratives associated with technological progress. By beckoning both physical contributions and personal narratives, the museum is poised to curate a compelling and immersive experience celebrating the evolution of technology and its impact on society.