Let’s make Baer Square a reality: Honoring the legacy of ‘The Father of the Video Game’

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UPDATE: The funds have been raised, and the Ralph Baer Bench at Baer Square will dedicated May 10 at Arms Park. Festivities begin at 11 a.m.

11 a.m. – Food Trucks Open for Business
12 p.m. – Mix & Mingle in Arms Park
12:30 p.m. – Official Unveiling
12:40 p.m. – Photo Opportunity
12: 50 p.m. – Networking & Lunch


Original Post, Sept. 18. 2018

MANCHESTER, NH – His name was Ralph Baer.

Baer was an inventor. With more than 150 patents awarded to him throughout his life, his whimsical approach to innovation has brought smiles and laughter to millions. His patented “Brown Box”, later Odyssey pioneered the concept of interactive screens and from a home on the North End was born the global pass time of video gaming.


⇒Learn more about Ralph Baer here.


 

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Proposed Ralph Baer memorial bench.

A fundraiser is underway to build a new attraction in Manchester to commemorate Baer and his contribution to technology through innovation – and his place in the city’s historical hall of fame. The vision is for a commemorative square on the Riverwalk in the Millyard to pay homage to the “Father of the Video Game.”

Baer’s passion for Manchester and advancing technology lives beyond his years in the development of our city and his story should be displayed to inspire others. Building a place to celebrate that and the future of our city together is something everyone can participate in.

Be a Baer Benefactor

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Ralph Baer with his patented Brown Box, which would evolved into Odyssey, and launch video gaming as we know it today. Courtesy Photo

To date, the funds to design and permit for the bench have been raised, as well as the actual bench and site improvements. There is a final push now for fundraising for the actual casting in New Hampshire of the bronze statue  – which will be one of the first such monuments crafted nationally.  As of September, $22,854 has been raised by community members through Kickstarter.

Baer’s son Mark is working with the Hitchcock family and John Clayton of the Manchester Historic Association to execute the square. Amy Chhom of the Chhom Group has taken over management of the project while Kate Aiken, project manager for Hitchcock Management, returns to UNH Durham to complete her business degree.  Chhom continues to remain involved in all aspects of the project.

The completed square will be erected on the edge of Arms Park on the Merrimack River and feature a bench and seated bronze statue of the late Ralph Baer rendered through innovative 3D-modeling techniques.


If you want to go the extra mile, you can sign up for one of three premiere levels of giving: Be a Bricklayer – purchasing a brick to be inlayed at the monument site with your name; be a Proud 603’r – get a brick and a special VIP invite to the unveiling of the finished monument; or earn yourself the Simon Benefactor status, which includes a brick, an invite and your name on a permanent plaque within Baer Square. Learn more here.


What’s your #CrazyMHT idea? Click here to learn more about how to bring your vision for a lively, livable Manchester to life.

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