Apple@50
Apple’s 50th Anniversary at CHM
On April 1, 1976, Apple Computer was founded with a radical idea: that powerful computing should be personal. Fifty years later, Apple stands as one of the most influential technology companies in history—shaping not only products, but culture, design, and how billions of people interact with technology every day.
We celebrated Apple’s first 50 years with special programs, an exhibit of rare prototypes, digital stories from the collection, and more.
Apple Offerings at CHM
Special Exhibit
Rare prototypes of some of the most iconic Apple products, including the Apple I, Apple IIc, Lisa, Macintosh, Newton, iPod & iPhone were featured in our special exhibit. Learn about the founding of Apple and how Apple’s products have continued to push boundaries throughout its history.
Read about three key prototypes Take an audio tour“Mactivations”
Get hands-on interaction with an oversized, meticulously handcrafted replica of a classic Macintosh called the Big Mac. There’s a Macintosh emulator hiding inside that simulates the original operating system. You can explore what it was like to use the machine in the 1980s!
Demos take place from 2–4 P.M. PST, on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month, through September. They are included with your CHM admission ticket.
Explore New Apple Stuff
In preparation for Apple’s 2026 anniversary, CHM gathered new materials on the history and ongoing impact of the iconic company. Check them out below.
- A timeline of 50 years of Apple milestones (with pictures!).
- Interview with Paul Terrell, the owner of the Byte Shop, the first Apple I retailer. Watch the video.
- Walking tour of Apple’s buildings with insiders who share stories at key locations. Watch the video.
- A blog about three key Apple prototypes. Read it here.
- Audio tour of highlights from the display of Rare Apple Prototypes (in three languages!). Take the tour.
- Curator picks from the collection of special Apple prototypes.
Also, check out this video of CHM’s “Apple at 50: Five Decades of Thinking Different” event or read the recap blog.
Discover Apple in the Collection
CHM has many Apple artifacts, documents, oral histories, and more in its collection. We’ve gathered some of them together for you to explore.
- A playlist of Apple-related programs and insider events at CHM over the years and some and rare footage of Steve Jobs.
- Search for more Apple documents and artifacts here.
Apple Insider Oral Histories
CHM has over two dozen oral history interviews with Apple leadership, engineers, designers, and marketers. Below are some highlights selected by Curator Hansen Hsu.
