TLDR? Here's our newsletter -- check out what we've been up to! And follow us on Mastodon, Instagram, Bluesky and Twitch. Planning a visit? Read more info here, and double check our Mastodon hours post beforehand just in case of closures.

Founded in 2009 by Professor Lori Emerson, the Media Archaeology Lab facilitates cross-disciplinary, experimental research, teaching, and creative practice using one of the largest collections in the world of still-functioning obsolete media. Visitors are encouraged to turn on, open up, play, and create with our extensive collection of technologies from the late 19th century to the early 2000s. (If you would like to browse the thousands of items in our collection, check out our catalog.) This commitment to hands-on access allows visitors to experience unfamiliar paths in the history of technology and imagine alternate futures.

The lab also hosts reading groups; artist residencies; events; retro game nights; and workshops on how to fix your old or new devices and even on how to build your own mesh network. At the same time, our dedicated volunteers can be found repairing and maintaining machines, hosting open house hours, and facilitating tours and class visits. (If you would like to volunteer, reach out to mediaarchaeology+volunteer@colorado.edu. If you would like more information about past happenings at the MAL, check out our projects page. If you would like more information about ongoing events and community members, check out our community page.)

The MAL is deeply grateful for generous ongoing support from the University of Colorado at Boulder's College of Communication, Media, Design and Information and the College of Arts and Sciences. We also thank all the donors who have supported the MAL over many years! (If you are interested in giving to the MAL, check out our support fund.)