Boise State University · College of Engineering · April 18, 2026
The Event
On April 18th, 2026, the Boise State University Computer Science Building buzzed with the satisfying clatter of mechanical keyboards and the warm amber glow of phosphor screens. The Treasure Valley Vintage Computing Club (TVVCC) hosted its first-ever Vintage Computer Showcase, a free, public celebration of the machines that shaped the digital world we live in today.
From Commodore 64s to early Apple Macintoshes, attendees of all ages gathered to see vintage hardware running live, swap stories, and discover or rediscover the remarkable ingenuity packed into those beige boxes of decades past.
Hands-On History
Rather than placing machines behind glass, the TVVCC set them up to be used. Visitors sat down at Apple IIs, played The Oregon Trail on period-accurate hardware, and typed commands into terminals that predated many of the attendees by decades. The room had the energy of a discovery for younger attendees especially, it offered a tangible connection to computing’s roots that no museum exhibit or YouTube video can replicate.
People Behind the Showcase
The event was organized by TVVCC members Jeff Flinton and Luke Hindman, whose meticulous planning brought the club’s collection of restored hardware to life in a welcoming, educational setting. Representing the BSU Computer Science Department’s outreach committee, Shane Panter was on hand to connect visitors with academic opportunities and share what the department has to offer.
“Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just curious about the computers of yesteryear, there’s something for everyone.”
— Treasure Valley Vintage Computing Club
A Partnership Worth Celebrating
Hosting the showcase in the CS Building was a natural fit; the department’s commitment to computing history and community engagement made it an ideal venue. The event drew curious passersby, dedicated collectors, students, and faculty alike, reinforcing the kind of open, exploratory culture that the College of Engineering aims to foster.
With a TVVCC Discord community continuing the conversation beyond the event, this first showcase feels less like a one-off and more like the beginning of a tradition.
Learn more: tvvcc.org/events/vintage-computer-showcase-2026