The Vintage Computer Festival East, held annually at the InfoAge Science and History Museums in Wall Township, New Jersey, has become a mecca for tech enthusiasts and nostalgia seekers alike. Over a weekend in April, hundreds of attendees flocked to the former army base to get hands-on experience with a vast array of vintage computers, from the 1960s to modern Macs.

What sets this festival apart from other tech events is its focus on interactivity. Unlike traditional museums where exhibits are locked away, the Vintage Computer Festival East encourages attendees to touch, play, and experiment with the vintage hardware on display. "That's one of the things about our museum, it's hands-on," says Jeffrey Brace, the showrunner of VCF East. "If you go to the Smithsonian, everything's locked away. You can't touch it."

The festival's exhibit halls are filled with an impressive collection of vintage computers, including Apple IIe, Heathkit H-89, and other relics of the past. Attendees can play classic games like Oregon Trail, doodle with vintage paint applications, and test out mechanical keyboards from bygone eras. However, the real highlight of the festival is the opportunity to meet and learn from the makers, hobbyists, and educators who are dedicated to preserving and innovating with vintage electronics.

Among the attendees are individuals who have spent countless hours restoring and modifying vintage computers to make them functional again. Some have even created their own projects, such as running GSM base stations, 3D-printing ink cartridges, and updating old hardware with modern keyboards. The festival provides a unique platform for these enthusiasts to share their knowledge and showcase their creations.

For Andru Marino, an audio and video creator at The Verge, attending the festival for the fourth time was still an exhilarating experience. "Even after my fourth year attending, I'm still learning something new or playing with a computer I've never seen before," Marino says. The Verge video crew documented Marino's day trip to the festival, providing a glimpse into the excitement and innovation of the event.

The Vintage Computer Festival East is more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it's a celebration of the innovation and creativity that has driven the tech industry forward. As the festival continues to grow in popularity, it's clear that the appeal of vintage computers extends beyond mere nostalgia. It's about preserving the history of technology and inspiring a new generation of innovators to build upon the foundations laid by their predecessors.

For those who missed the festival, The Verge's video coverage provides a comprehensive look at the event, featuring interviews with attendees, demonstrations of vintage computers, and a glimpse into the fascinating world of vintage electronics.