The National Museum of Computing Embarks on a Transformational Building Restoration Project with Support from The Post Office Remembrance Fellowship (PORF)
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The National Museum of Computing Embarks on a Transformational Building Restoration Project with Support from The Post Office Remembrance Fellowship (PORF) & Ongoing Crowdfunding Campaign
Bletchley Park, UK, 14th June 2024 - The National Museum of Computing (TNMoC), which hosts the world's largest collection of operational historic computers, is thrilled to announce a major funding partnership with The Post Office Remembrance Fellowship (PORF). This funding paves the way for a significant milestone in TNMoC's evolution as it embarks on a major building refurbishment project to preserve an irreplaceable World War Two-era building, secure the future for TNMoC’s collections, and enhance the visitor experience at the Museum.
Speaking about the partnership, Alan Bealby, Chair of PORF, remarked that “the Post Office Remembrance Fellowship are delighted to be supporting The National Museum of Computing in their tremendous work in preserving and exhibiting the wartime computing technology, so vital to code breaking during WW2, and the subsequent computer and digital developments.
The Museum does such a great job of recognising the skills and dedication of all those who gave so much in the two World Wars.”
Echoing this sentiment, Dr Andrew Herbert, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at TNMOC, added “In this 80th anniversary year for Colossus, the world’s first electronic digital computing system, The National Museum of Computing is grateful to receive the generous funding from the Post Office Remembrance Fellowship to support our major refurbishment project. As a direct result of this contribution, The National Museum of Computing may continue to acknowledge the many Post Office staff who contributed to developments at Bletchley Park during World War 2 - most notably the Post Office engineers, led by Tommy Flowers, who designed and built the Colossus machines that once resided in Block H, the home of our Museum, and made a major contribution to defeating the highest level German codes.”
The project, scheduled to commence on the 17th of June 2024, is an exciting moment for the Museum, breathing new life into the fabric of the historic Block H while safeguarding TNMOC’s unique collection.
Facilitated by PORF's generous financial support, the project will be delivered to a considered schedule, carefully planned to allow the Museum to remain open and accessible to staff, volunteers and visitors.
The primary focus of the project is to replace sections of the Museum's decaying roof, to ensure the long-term security of the historic exhibits housed underneath, including the Tunny, Heath Robinson, and Colossus machines.
Additional works will see the modernisation of key facilities and the expansion of amenities to enhance the visitor experience. From the refurbishment of welfare facilities to the relocation of the café-shop and the expansion of the Museum’s learning spaces, this refurbishment project will elevate the Museum's status as a premier destination for the general public, computing enthusiasts, and scholars alike.
Alongside the generous grant from PORF, TNMoC is conducting an ongoing Crowdfunder campaign to raise £150,000 in matched funding to restore the roofs over the Tunny and Colossus galleries, with only a further £5,250 left to achieve the target.
Throughout this ambitious refurbishment, TNMoC will remain accessible to all visitors. All galleries will remain open to the public throughout the project, with the exception of 17th June - 21st June inclusive, when access to the Tunny and Colossus Galleries will be prohibited temporarily.
About The Post Office Remembrance Fellowship (PORF)
The Post Office Remembrance Fellowship (PORF) Charitable Incorporated Organisation is a UK-based independent grant-making charity.
We aim to be a living memorial to the General Post Office (GPO) men and women who died in World War One and World War Two. To fulfil this aim we work with other charities, making grants to facilitate learning, remembrance, heritage and compassion. We also assist charities working in successor organisations to the GPO which help current and past employees in need.
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About The National Museum of Computing
Situated on the historic grounds of Bletchley Park, The National Museum of Computing is an independent institution that brings computing history to life for the general public and specialists alike. The museum's approach blends engaging exhibits with a focus on British computing heritage and ongoing innovation. TNMOC is committed to preserving, restoring, and demonstrating historic computing machinery, offering successful learning programs, and fostering the next generation of computer scientists and engineers through educational initiatives, festivals, lectures, and interactive events.
For more information, please contact:
01908 374708
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