Hackaday turns 15 this year, September 5th. I started the site in 2004, designed the logo which is now called the Jolly Wrencher, and the look-feel that is still mostly used to this day (it’s been updated to include capital letters). It’s been great to watch the site grow up to a 15 year old site that folks still enjoy, in addition to the all the new things like events, hackaday.io, and more…

The earliest snapshot on archive.org is from October 8th, 2004. From what I recall I loaded up the site with a month worth of posts before we officially launched, so maybe that’s why it starts there.

What is Hackaday? Here’s the current Wikipedia page:

“Hackaday is a blog which publishes several articles each day about hardware and software hacks. A hack refers to modifications of a product or software as well as the creation of something entirely new for convenience, novelty, functional or creative reasons. Hackaday also has a YouTube channel where it posts projects and how-to videos. Hackaday was founded in 2004 as a web magazine for Engadget devoted to publishing and archiving “the best hacks, mods and DIY (do it yourself) projects from around web”. The Jolly Wrencher, Hackaday’s logo, was designed by Phillip Torrone, the spouse of Adafruit founder Limor Fried. Torrone also wrote the first article for the website.”

And here’s the about page, on hackaday.com

I have nothing to do with the current site besides being a reader, sending in tips, and sending kudos to the folks there doing good work… so, I emailed the current Hackaday team and here is what they are doing for the Hackaday 15 year celebration …

“Good to hear from you! The major celebration of 15 years will happen at the Hackaday Superconference. This is November 15, 16, 17 in Pasadena. Tickets sell out every year — there are still some left but we’re reviewing talk proposals now and they will go quickly once talks are announced. We’d love it if you can help get the word out:”
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hackaday-superconference-2019-tickets-60129236164?aff=adafruit
Info Page: https://hackaday.io/superconference/

The Hackaday Superconference: November 15-17 2019 // Pasadena, CA –

The Hackaday Superconference is the greatest gathering of hardware hackers, builders, engineers and enthusiasts in the world. The conference begins on Friday, November 15nd at 10 am with workshops and badge hacking. Supercon attendees are also invited to celebrate with drinks and appetizers at our kick-off celebration at Supplyframe headquarters that Friday (November 15nd) evening.

Hundreds of engineers and engineering enthusiasts gather for talks and workshops along with the extemporaneous challenges, conversations, and discovery that make Supercon the ultimate hardware conference.The Supplyframe DesignLab, combined with the excellent performance hall in the adjoining LA College of Music and the private outdoor venue that connects the two, and you have the perfect scene for a hacker village to take shape.

Conference ticket also includes admission to our kick-off party at Supplyframe HQ. (Friday, November 15nd from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm) Celebrate with drinks and appetizers along with the Supplyframe and Hackaday teams, conference presenters and more. Check-in for Supercon early and get first dibs on your badge!

• Hackaday TRINKET PRO – 10 year anniversary limited Edition.
• HACKADAY 10TH ANNIVERSARY: WRAP-UP – October 11, 2014 by Brian Benchoff.
• RADIOSHACK PHONE DIALER – RED BOX – September 5, 2004 by Phillip Torrone.
• Hackaday posts – Adafruit.