About
What is Pumping Station One?
Pumping Station One is a hackerspace located in Chicago. Its mission is to foster a collaborative environment wherein people can explore and create intersections between technology, science, art, and culture.
What are we?
We are a collaborative environment for people to explore the intersections between technology, art and culture. We are a hacker space similar to others such as the Cowtown Computer Congress, NYC Resistor, NoiseBridge, HACDC, and other groups around the country.
We also fulfill our role as a community resource by hosting classes on electronics, programming, crafts, and any other skills that members (or guests) are willing to share.
Where are we?
Since April 2009, we have occupied a portion of 3354 N. Elston.
More on Hackerspaces
For a good introduction to Pumping Station One, and hackerspaces in general, watch this 15 minute interview of our former president Eric Michaud conducted by David Jacob Hoffman and later featured in Makezine’s blog.
HELLO – Eric Michaud, President of Pumping Station: One from Dave Jacob Hoffman on Vimeo.
To learn more about hackerspaces, and see examples of other hackerspaces around the world, visit hackerspaces.org.
What is our legal status?
Pumping Station: One, NFP is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding section of any future United States Internal Revenue law).
For more information, see our Bylaws
How do I become a member?
We have two membership tiers: Full Member and Starving Hacker.
Full Members pay $50 a month.
Starving Hackers pay $30 a month.
Both tiers receive a key with 24/7 access to the facility, but Full Members enjoy more benefits including storage space and discounted prices on ticketed events. See our membership page for more details.
Donations
If you can afford to give more than the $50 monthly fee, we are also collecting donations. These, like the membership fees, will go toward raising the cash reserves that we need to maintain the space and fund future activities, equipment, and events. If you’re interested in making a donation, please contact our TreasurerIshmael Rufus at sakamura at gmail dot com.
Do I need to be a member to participate?
We have many public events such as parties and workshops. We also have a guest policy, which allows members to occasionally bring in a guest. However guests are not allowed to use any of our heavy equipment.
Our weekly open house events (Tuesdays, 7PM, at our space at 3354 N. Elston) are always open to the public, and are a great chance to get to know the community and to see what projects are going on. Feel free to bring a laptop, or any interesting projects you might wish to share. We’d love to see you there, we’re always looking for interesting people! See the events page for details.