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Mission
The NESIT mission is to foster collaborative learning in science and technology.
We do this by:
- Providing members a place to explore technical and creative projects.
- Hosting frequent, high quality and technical public workshops
- Teaching computer basics to the general public via free computer clinics
- Building a community of makers and hackers that thrive on sharing their knowledge.
Our Story
NESIT was founded in early 2010 by a group five friends who were looking to build out a physical workspace where we could create things (like a linux wet bar), experiment with HAM radio & network equipment, share and build knowledge in information security, participate in community charitable work and have a fun place to hang out.
We witnessed the explosion of the hackerspace movement first-hand at HOPE (Hackers On Planet Earth), by following the work of the Chaos Computer Club, and by talking with and watching the lectures of Mitch Altman. So we decided that we would use hackerspace model design patterns (specifically those of our friends at Noisebridge & Alpha One Labs ) to build and govern our organization. By early June we finalized our incorporation and by July had located a large industrial space which was within our means and central to everyone.
Currently we have 17 members, hundreds of supporters and a massive workshop in which we’re able to further our mission. We run activities of some type at least three days per week, and have seen steady growth in membership since day one.
None of this would be possible without the generous donations we’ve received and the supreme dedication of our officers, board, and members. We welcome all to visit us during our open ours so we can show you first hand what we are about!
- Open House: Wednesday & Thursdays from 7:00PM to 10:00PM
- Our address is: 290 Pratt St, 2nd Floor, Meriden, CT 06450 (Less then 20 minutes away from Hartford, CT)
- Our Phone is: 203-51HACKS (203-514-2257)
Questions or Comments?: email info@nesit.org
Visitor Advice
You are welcome here
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to visit NESIT. We ask that visitors follow our conduct rules available here: Code of Conduct . Visitors can drop by anytime unannounced. You do not need an invitation, or to be attending a scheduled event/class. It may be wise to follow the advice below on the best times to visit, to ensure there are people there who can let you in. You can also talk to us on IRC @ irc.freenode.net #nesit via IRC Client or Java IRC, or our facebook group to figure out a good time, and ask if someone is willing to give you a tour.
How to get here
NESIT Inc is located at 290 Pratt ST Meriden,CT on the 2nd Floor in the center of the building, Click here for directions
Please enter the building complex though the east entrance adjacent to the Gym on the first floor
Also for distant travelers we have an Amtrak station less then a mile away from us, Click here for directions
If you have trouble locating us when you arrive, or find the entrance to the building is locked give us a call at: 203-51-HACKS(2257)
Come with an open mind
NESIT is about learning and exploring, and there’s a lot to see and learn here. Activities at NESIT include hanging out, working on personal or group projects and scheduled or impromptu workshops and classes on a range of topics. These topics could be anything, ranging from photography to woodworking, to computer programming, mathematics and beyond!
Not "child-safe"
We have not limited what we like to explore or discuss according to anyone's notions of "appropriateness" for children. Thus, anyone entering the space can be exposed to adult-themed ideas, concepts, language and items. We also have some tools and materials that can be hazardous for children or adults if used improperly.
Some times are better than others
We have many scheduled activities in the space, and many of us have day jobs. You can coordinate the time of your visit to ensure that you can find people to talk with (and to let you into the building!).
- Are you new? Wondering when to drop by? Come by on a Thursday - you don't have to wait for a class or a meeting. Stop by and say "I'm new!" and get a tour, join an outing for food, or just relax and work on your laptop until a conversation of interest comes up.
- If you're interested in particular activities, check out our schedule, posted on www.nesit.org.
- You're unlikely to find many people in the space before 5:00PM on most days.
Other people's stuff
Please try to be careful with the things you find at NESIT, and recognize that the things on shelves are other people's property, and treat it like you would want others to treat your own property.
Hostile network
The network at NESIT - like any public network - should be regarded as potentially hostile. This means that you should assume that any unencrypted communications over the network could be monitored by others. Examples of vulnerable communications include POP3/IMAP email clients, most web browsing, IRC/AIM and similar chat protocols that are often not encrypted. While no issues have come up to date, and our code of conduct opposes malicious monitoring of others, it is wise to be aware of the potential. Stick to using SSL or secure tunnels or VPNs for anything that uses a password or that you otherwise wouldn't want other people to read. If you don't know how to protect your communications with encryption, many people at NESIT would be glad to help you out!
Inspiration for the, "Visitor advice," section came largely from: NoiseBridge; for whom we have tremendous respect for.
