Manchester’s Tribute
The Baer Bench Statue is a Tribute to Honor The Innovative and Loving Ralph Baer, The Father of Video Games.
Welcome To #BaerSquare
The Baer Bench Commemorative Square was built in the Spring of 2019.
As a place to remember Baer’s story, inspire current thought-leaders in our community, and to celebrate the future of Manchester. The Square features a bench and a seated bronze statue of the late Ralph Baer, which was rendered through innovative digital modeling techniques to create a 3D printed form for casting.
So, Who Was Ralph Baer?
During the year of 1966,
In a small home in the North End of Manchester, NH, an engineer by the name of Ralph Baer invented the first video game. His patented "Brown Box," later called “Odyssey,” pioneered the concept of interactive screens and spearheaded the evolution of digital entertainment. With more than 150 patents awarded to him throughout his life, Baer’s whimsical approach to innovation has brought smiles and laughter to millions.
Ralph’s “Brown Box” was built in 1968
Ralph was working for Sanders Associates Now known as BAE Systems,
During 1966 when he first envisioned a more interactive relationship between man and machine. His "Brown Box," built in 1968 and patented in 1969, was licensed to Magnavox and sold as Odyssey - the world's first video game. For his contribution to the industry, Baer is now widely-accepted as the "Father of the Video Game.” He has been awarded the National Medal of Technology, and was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. He passed at 92 after living in Manchester, NH for 42 years.
Ralph Baer had a passion for technological advancement, the prosperity of the Manchester community, and trail-blazing creativity.
“Coming up with novel ideas and converting them into real products has always been as natural as breathing for me.”
— Ralph Baer 1922-2014, Inventor of the game “Simon”
Come Visit Arms park!
10 Arms St. Manchester, NH 03101
When you visit Arms park, be sure to play some cornhole, visit Deka’s welcome center and, of course, see the statue! Take a selfie on the bench and share your photo with the hashtag #BaerSquare to show some love for this Downtown attraction. You can also check-in on Facebook.
You can also check-in on Facebook or tag us with #BaerSquare
Baer Bench Can Also Be Found On Atlas Obscura
SPONSORS
PLATINUM LEVEL
BAE Systems | Orbit Group
Gold Level
Bookery Manchester
Bronze Level
Manchester Arts Commission
Benefactor Level
Fun Spot, Computer Spiele Museum, St. Mary’s BankFlight, SNHU, Aspen Insurance Agency and Manchester Historic Association
BEHIND THE SCENES
Baer's son, Mark, worked with the Hitchcock family and John Clayton of the Manchester Historic Association to execute this square. Kate Aiken kickstarted the fundraising, while Amy Chhom managed the installation and unveiling.
THIS PROJECT