A unique laboratory dedicated to preserving and demonstrating the evolution of computing technology continues to operate, offering hands-on experiences with vintage computers and video game systems spanning from the 1970s through the early 2000s. Located at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), the Retrolab serves as both a functional archive and an educational resource that brings decades-old technology back to life.
The Retrolab was established during the COVID-19 pandemic by Greg Haigh, a history professor specializing in the history of computing. Starting with six donated computers, Haigh’s collection has since expanded significantly, with contributions from faculty, community members, online purchases, and personal items from Haigh’s family in England. Equipment that was once relegated to closets and basements is restored through careful cleaning and routine maintenance, allowing the computers to function rather than exist as static displays.
The machines are arranged in chronological order, illustrating the dramatic changes in hardware and software over time. Students and visitors can engage directly with a variety of systems, including the Atari 2600, Apple Lisa, Apple Macintosh SE, and IBM-PC. For Haigh, functionality is paramount. “To win precious desk space, [the computers] have to be working,” he said, emphasizing the lab’s commitment to providing authentic, hands-on experiences rather than merely serving as a repository for rare or exotic items.
The Retrolab supports Haigh’s course on the history of computing, which is based on his book, “A New History of Modern Computing.” The course pairs academic study with practical interactions in the lab to help students better visualize and understand the subject matter. Haigh noted that the lab fosters meaningful personal connections, as individuals often encounter technology they used in their youth—or sometimes for the first time—sparking nostalgia and a deeper appreciation for the evolution of digital tools. “When that technology goes obsolete, you lose that piece,” he explained.
Among those involved is Noah Zach, a 2026 graduate who volunteers in the lab. Zach, who describes himself as an “old soul,” values the tangible experience of working with physical media and vintage machines in contrast to the ease of modern digital emulation. Zach learned how to repair several of the computers, finding that hands-on engagement offers insights unattainable through reading alone. He remarked on the unique joy and wonder that visitors display when encountering the equipment, underscoring the lab’s role in preserving the lived experience of early computing.
Currently, the Retrolab remains a one-person operation managed solely by Haigh, who has no immediate plans to appoint a successor. He anticipates the lab will remain open for at least another year, continuing to serve as a rare living archive that bridges technology’s past with contemporary study and public engagement.