MANCHESTER, NH – Come jam to live chiptune music, experience local art, play a larger-than-life version of Ping-Pong, and enjoy video game inspired desserts as Manchester celebrates Ralph Baer Day, a multimedia interactive art exhibit that honors Ralph Baer, Father of the Video Game, and the impact his work has made on the world, and the creations inspired by his legacy.
Friday, March 8 would have been Ralph Baer’s 97th birthday. On March 8, a birthday party public reception will be held from 5-9 p.m. at Jupiter Hall on Hanover Street in Manchester.
Ralph Baer Day features video game-related artwork on display and live music performed by local artists, sweet treats from Madear’s Manchester, and a 10-foot, interactive Baer Project Ping-Pong Installation.
Baer lived in Manchester for nearly 60 years. During that time, he invented the first video game console and held patents on more than 150 games, devices and other technology like SIMON and the light gun used to play Duck Hunt. His inventions inspired countless other creators.
“Mr. Baer’s birthday is truly a day to celebrate his tremendous contributions. It’s been exciting to see how quickly volunteers and the local community responded to pull the celebration together,” said Kelley Muir, co-organizer of the events. “His legacy is something we all feel proud of and we want to show the impact he continues to have on the culture today.”
Ralph Baer Day is the highlight of nearly a week’s worth of events through March 12 that include a city-wide 8-bit art contest with pop-up art displays, an invention workshop, and a screening of the documentary “Ralph Baer, The Father of Video Games.” Admission is free but donations and funds raised from art purchases will support the Baer Square Project, a commemorative square in Manchester’s Millyard which will feature a bench and statue of Ralph Baer. For a complete listing of Ralph Baer events, visit ralphbaerday.com.
About Jupiter Hall
Jupiter Hall is a community-oriented multi-purpose digital media makerspace located in Manchester, NH where communities experience arts, culture and innovation. Our mission is to showcase and present exciting opportunities for storytellers, creatives and professionals.
