Sunday, June 2, 2013

What started this?

I recently enjoyed a visit to the new Seattle Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), a much anticipated visit to the re-situated, larger facility that opened in March 2013.  They are able to display more of their treasures and they use modern museum techniques to enhance the experience.

It was nice. I enjoyed the glimpses of Seattle's early days, seeing the running Rainier Beer and other familiar sights from the past. When I came to the last exhibit the unbidden thought rushed up – Where was the Audio Industry? There was no trace of the vibrant companies and inventions that made the Pacific Northwest one of the few seriously active hubs in the global audio market. Yet in our Museum of History and Industry, there was no sign of our industry at all.

Audio Industry Historical Society, Inc. was born April 22, 2013, and incorporated May 8, 2013 as non-profit corporation to fill this great hole. We are currently filing for 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status from the IRS.

Statement of Purpose. AIHS was created to celebrate, appreciate, and preserve memories, products, and artifacts of the Audio Industry and its local and global role in our culture. By shedding light on the history and achievements of those in the Audio Industry, AIHS will provide opportunity to educate our members and the community through publications, displays, equipment, programs, seminars, and educational activities.

The Audio Industry is about the creation and distribution of music. It's about the speakers, amplifiers, mixers, and other equipment that allowed all of us to enjoy our favorite music, and the engineers, inventors, and sales people who turned several locations into the most prolific audio corners of the world. In telling the story, we hope to show how the people of the Audio Industry, inspired by a love of music in all its forms, helped create a rich design, recording, manufacturing and sales network, and ultimately influenced pop culture worldwide.


There are 6 areas that will be covered first (list below), but we are starting with what we know:
Pacific Northwest
Bay Area
Boston
New York
Los Angeles

More to come.


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