I just realized I’m within driving distance from FIRST HQ (I’m in the area for a college tour), and that got me wondering if it’s possible for a random student like me to make a pilgrimage there, and also if there would be anything to see.
I couldn’t find any info on their website other than the address in Manchester, so I’m hoping that one of you guys will know more. Thanks!
If I were you, I’d just go over and knock on the door. Worst they can do is say no.
There is a cool lobby and atrium, but since COVID, I believe it stays locked most of the time now. It’s a really cool area full of old mills from the heyday of the Industrial Revolution though. I’ve been fortunate to visit HQ on a few occasions, but I also have friends who work there. I’d definitely call ahead, don’t just show up.
Visit the museum downstairs, it’s pretty cool.
I would definitely call or email first. They might have specific hours the are open to visitors. Or none. Or anytime. Maybe Dean would be free for lunch.
I’m not going to dissuade you because #VisitNH, but FIRST HQ is in all reality, an office building. There’s not much to see, and all the cool stuff is behind locked doors. There is FIRST Place on the ground floor, but it’s not regularly staffed and typically stays closed. You could email/call and see if you can set something up, but keep in mind this is a particularly busy time of year for them.
Manchester is still worth* the drive. Like Jon and Eric mentioned, the lobby of the building is kinda cool, and the SEE Science Center and Millyard Museum are definitely worth checking out, as they all share the same building.
*Anyone from here might disagree with me.
If you’re still in the area tomorrow, the Official Week Zero competition will be taking place in Bedford NH.
“Free” might not be true if it’s like trying to get a dinner with him. The winning bid was $25,000
Will eat lunch for a small donation?
FIRST Place does have a small history display of robots from the early days, but it’s mostly a conference facility. They did have a pretty sweet Lego artwork set up last month that I hadn’t seen before – was it at Champs last year?
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