Before smart TV’s, tablets, smart phones or social media, there was the Commodore 64.

The Commodore 64 Computer was produced in 1985, preceding most versions of the computer as we know it today. This particular model was pivotal in a young man by the name of Carl’s personal and professional life. He could not utilize a typewriter with concepts such as the home row keys, much less type a text that he was looking at while simultaneously looking at the typewriter. The Commodore 64 allowed Carl to perfect his typing abilities on computers (and typewriters) of all varieties. This ability served as a point of tension with Carl’s supervisors in 1985. They were reluctant to embrace the computer as the way of the future, let alone as a standard piece of multi-use office equipment now found in almost every setting.  

Listen to Carl’s story in his own words:

This object is part of the “Transitions” section of the Artifacts of Experience exhibition designed by University of Cincinnati students in the “Introduction to Public History” course in 2023.
We encourage you to explore the other objects in our collection.