50 Years: Origins
Summary
This episode traces the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s origins from early aviation collections to its 1976 opening. Guests Dr. Mike Neufeld, Dr. Jun Shin, and Dr. Tom Crouch discuss the 30-year journey involving congressional authorization, the addition of spaceflight artifacts, and architectural challenges. Apollo 11 astronaut Mike Collins shares his role as director in securing funding and ensuring the museum opened on time for the bicentennial.
Topics discussed
Introduction: 50 Years of Air and Space Museum
Early Smithsonian Aviation History and Collections
1946 Authorization and Initial Funding Challenges
The 30-Year Gap: Origins and Early Storage
The 'Tin Shed' and Early Aircraft Displays
Smithsonian Expansion and Washington City Renewal
Securing Land on the National Mall
Sputnik, Space Race, and Rocket Row
First Directors and Initial Building Designs
Name Change to Air and Space and Director Search
Mike Collins and the Bicentennial Building Push
Construction, Opening Day, and Credits
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