PAST + PRESENT
DO YOU RECOGNIZE?
1996
FLIP PHONE
In 1996, the flip phone changed how we used mobile phones. It was small and could fold, making it easy to carry around.
You could close it to protect the buttons and screen. People loved how simple and handy it was. The flip phone became really popular and is now seen as a symbol of that time’s tech progress.
Even though smartphones are now more common, the flip phone’s legacy remains. It reminds us of how much technology can shape how we communicate. Its arrival was a big moment in mobile phone history, setting the stage for the phones we use today.
1997
MP3 PLAYER
The MP3 player came out in 1997 and changed how we listened to music. It was a small device that could store lots of songs.
This meant you could carry your favorite tunes with you wherever you went. People loved how convenient it was. The MP3 player quickly became popular and paved the way for music streaming services we enjoy today.
Even though we now use smartphones for music, the MP3 player’s impact is still felt. It showed us how technology could make music more accessible and portable. Its arrival marked a big shift in how we enjoy music, shaping our listening habits for years to come.
1996
Tamagotchi
In 1996, the Tamagotchi hit the scene and captured the peoples attention worldwide. It was a tiny device that let you take care of a virtual pet.
People loved having a little digital friend to look after. It was fun and taught responsibility.
The Tamagotchi became super popular and showed how technology could be both entertaining and educational. Even though it’s been a while since they were everywhere, the Tamagotchi’s impact is still remembered fondly. It showed us how technology could create connections and bring joy, even in a small digital package.
Its release marked a playful moment in tech history, reminding us of the power of digital companionship.
INTRODUCTION
The “Past + Present” theme shows how history affects our world today and why it’s important to know about cultural changes while moving forward. This exhibit has important objects that show how technology and culture have changed over time and still affect us today.
Each thing in this exhibit connects different times, showing how things were before and how they are now. By looking at these connections, we can understand better how history affects our present and future.
Besides technology, the exhibit also talks about how cultures have changed. We use stories to connect different things under one theme. Each thing in this exhibit tells a part of our story, showing how technology, culture, and how we talk to each other have changed over time. Looking at these objects helps us see how past inventions have led to today’s inventions and what might come next.
One big goal of this exhibit is to show how the past and present are always talking to each other. For example, by putting old phones next to modern phones, we can see how talking to each other has changed a lot. This comparison shows how things have changed because of technology and how people live differently now.
The exhibit also looks at how everyday life has changed because of technology and media. From the first radios to today’s talking robots, we see how we get and play with information. We also see how playing games has changed from the past to now.
We tell stories to make sure that each thing is part of a bigger story that connects the past to the present. This helps us show how people have always made new things throughout history. By understanding these connections, we can see why it’s important to learn from the past while also looking forward to the future.
As someone who loves history and technology, I think this theme is really cool. Seeing how things from the past still affect us today helps me appreciate how smart people have always been. It’s amazing to think about how much we’ve changed and how much we still use ideas from the past. This exhibit lets us think about these connections and why it’s important to keep learning from history while also making new things.
To sum up, “Past + Present: A Journey Through Time” invites people to see how history and the present are connected. By showing carefully picked things and telling stories, we hope to make people understand better how the past shapes the present and the future, showing that people have always been good at making new things.
THEN
1895
Radio
In 1895, the first radio changed how people communicated. It was a device invented by Guglielmo Marconi that could send messages without wires.
This was a huge deal at the time because it meant people could connect over long distances. The radio opened up new ways for people to share information and entertainment.
Even though we now have TV and the internet, the radio’s impact is still felt. It showed us the power of wireless communication and laid the foundation for modern broadcasting. Its invention marked a big step forward in technology, shaping how we stay informed and entertained to this day.
1972
Gaming console
In 1972, the first gaming console changed how people played games. It was a device that let you play video games on your TV at home. This was a big deal because before that, you could only play games at arcades.
The gaming console made gaming more accessible and brought it into people’s living rooms. It quickly became popular and showed how technology could create new forms of entertainment. Even though we now have more advanced gaming systems, the first console’s impact is still remembered.
It paved the way for the gaming industry we know today, shaping how we play and interact with games. Its arrival marked a fun moment in entertainment history, introducing a whole new way to have fun at home.
2007
Apple iphone
In 2007, the first Apple iPhone changed the way we use phones. It was a touchscreen device that could do more than just make calls. With internet access and apps, it became a pocket-sized computer.
This was a big deal because before that, phones were mainly for calls and texts.
The iPhone made it easy to browse the web, send emails, and download apps. It quickly became popular and showed how technology could make our lives easier. Even though we now have newer models, the first iPhone’s impact is still felt.
It revolutionized the smartphone industry, shaping how we communicate and access information on the go. Its release marked a major moment in tech history, ushering in a new era of mobile devices.
NOW
2014
Amazon Alexa Announcement
In 2014, Amazon Alexa changed the way we interact with technology at home. It was a voice-activated virtual assistant that could do things like play music and control smart devices.
This was a big deal because it made everyday tasks easier and more convenient. With just your voice, you could ask Alexa to do things for you, like turn on the lights or set a timer.
Alexa quickly became popular and showed how artificial intelligence could enhance our daily lives. Even though we now have more smart assistants, Alexa’s impact is still felt.
It paved the way for voice technology in our homes, shaping how we interact with our devices and making our homes smarter and more connected. Its introduction marked a significant moment in the evolution of smart home technology, bringing us closer to a future where our homes respond to our every need.
2020
Playstation
In 2023, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) transformed the gaming experience for players worldwide. It offered advanced graphics and lightning-fast load times, creating immersive gaming worlds like never before.
This was a significant advancement because it pushed the boundaries of gaming realism and interactivity. With its powerful hardware and innovative features, the PS5 quickly became a must-have for gamers.
It showcased the ongoing innovation in the gaming industry and highlighted the enduring appeal of console gaming as a form of entertainment.
Even though newer models may come, the PS5’s impact is still remembered. It continues to shape how we play and enjoy games, bringing joy and excitement to millions of players around the globe. Its release marked a milestone in gaming history, setting a new standard for the future of gaming consoles.
2023
Apple iPhone 15
In 2023, the Apple iPhone 15 revolutionized the mobile experience once again. With enhanced features like an improved camera and augmented reality capabilities, it offered users a seamless and immersive smartphone experience.
This was a significant advancement because it pushed the boundaries of mobile technology and introduced innovative ways to interact with the world around us.
The iPhone 15 quickly became a symbol of Apple’s commitment to innovation and its dedication to shaping the future of mobile computing.
It continues to set the standard for smartphones, inspiring creativity and productivity in users worldwide.
The launch of the iPhone 15 not only pushed the boundaries of mobile technology but also set a new standard for innovation in the smartphone industry, inspiring a wave of creativity and excitement among users worldwide.
Elvira Siku