The Smithsonian Affiliated National Atomic Testing Museum
Using Lessons of the Past to Better Understand
the Present and the Future
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Event, Tour & Outreach Recap |
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The National Atomic Testing Museum (NATM) continues to host educational events and virtual and in-person tours for schools and other groups. We also regularly participate in various outreach events in the community. |
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During the month of May, the NATM welcomed guests from the University of California, Irvine; the College of Southern Nevada; Palo Verde High School’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC); Dickens Elementary School; and Sandia National Laboratories’ Weapons Intern Program. The museum’s dedicated team of Docents guided these groups through the main gallery and shared their firsthand experiences with them.
On May 19th, the NATM held a distinguished panel discussion about the military air transport aircraft that crashed near the peak of Mt. Charleston on November 17, 1955, and the effort to uncover what happened and bring closure to the families of those who lost their lives. The panel included Steve Ririe, Chris Hays, and Lane Swainston of the Silent Heroes of the Cold War National Memorial Committee, along with their esteemed guest, Duane Titus. Mr. Titus is the last surviving member of the Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, the team that recovered the victims of the Mt. Charleston plane crash. Those in attendance had the opportunity to ask the panelists questions and enjoyed a meet and greet following the event.
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May saw the much-anticipated return of the Las Vegas Science & Technology Festival and the NATM once again participated in this weeklong celebration. For “Science is Everywhere Day” on May 1st, the museum offered two Docent-led tours with David Barber and Dale Cox, along with hands-on activities and demonstrations led by Trustee and Docent Jack Doyle, Director of Education Joseph Kent, and Education Assistant Amanda Haas. On May 4th, the NATM co-hosted the “May the Science Be with You” event in partnership with the DRI. Curator Parker Arecchi, Development Coordinator Gillian Riggleman, Doyle, Kent, and Haas treated guests to a crater painting activity and science-themed demonstrations, while Executive Director Michael Hall, Museum Technician Alex Vlasyuk, Assistant Store Manager Rozinnia Stambek, Online Store Supervisor Andrew Dimmick, Admissions Cashier Christine Winteler, and General Assistant James Hall greeted visitors and kept the museum open at a discounted price after hours. |
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The staff and volunteers from the museum operated a Van de Graaff Generator, Tesla Coil, and Geiger Counter for families at the LVS&TF’s “Giant Expo,” which took place at the World Market Center on May 7th. The team used the devices to demonstrate various physics principles that relate to electrical charge and explain how scientists detect radiation. Then on May 11th and 17th, Kent gave presentations at Red Rock Elementary School’s Career Week and the American Society of Thermal and Fluids Engineers’ Thermal and Fluids Engineering Conference, respectively.
For more information on our virtual and/or onsite tours, outreach, and events, please contact Joseph Kent at joe.kent@natm-nv.org. Pricing varies and available platforms include Google Meet and Zoom.
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Distinguished Lecture Series |
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In observance of our nation's Independence Day, the National Atomic Testing Museum will be closed July 4, 2022. We hope you have a wonderful holiday celebrating the birth of our nation. |
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Atomic Culture
When the Atom Was Cool
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Today, nuclear weapons are not exactly a feel-good topic, especially in light of the reality of our tense global situation. Once upon a time in America, however, popular culture identified with everything “atomic.” By the 1950s, after two decades of turmoil involving a great depression and world war, atomic energy allured us with the promise of control over our destiny. Atomic culture, for a period, became an addictive facet of our national identity.
The atom and even the A-bomb used to be cool. Of course, our current 21st century perspective of that time is a little clouded. Yes, here in Las Vegas, Nevada, a great deal of interest existed in the atmospheric nuclear tests going on just north of town. Around 1953 to 1957 we had translated this in distinctive Vegas style to showgirls in atomic costumes, local hairstylists offering atomic mushroom hairdos, casinos with a variety of atomic cocktails, and the list goes on. That same atomic testing also found appeal in science fiction novels and Hollywood movies.
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Museum Store Feature
Authentic Trinitite
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Own a piece of history! The Museum Store is excited to offer authentic trinitite from the Ralph Pray Collection! Trinitite is the only evidence left of the world's first atomic bomb!
In 1951, Dr. Ralph Emerson Pray made several trips to the Trinity site in New Mexico where it is estimated that he collected over 2,000 pounds of trinitite. The specimens we carry in the Museum Store were collected by him. Get your authentic trinitite today!
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By Michael Hall
NATM Executive Director
“Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.” (Revelation 18:10)
In this time of unprecedented global tensions, I am reminded of one of the best nuclear war novels of the 20th century. Written during the early days of the Cold War by Harry Hart Frank under the pen name Pat Frank and published in 1959, this novel remains recognized in the top of its genre and certainly on par with the similarly iconic “On the Beach” by Nevil Shute. Alas Babylon deserves to be highlighted now because this seventy-year-old story will startle anyone living today.
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Curator's Corner
The Mirror Sphere
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Thank you to the family of Stanley H. Isom for his efforts in saving a very unique and valuable piece of history from the days of atmospheric atomic testing. Mr. Isom left us this description:
“This mirror sphere is one of several conceived and created in mid-1954 by Harold Edgerton of Edgerton, Germeshausen, & Grier, Inc. or more commonly known as EG&G. The sphere facilitated atomic photography. Photography served as the primary diagnostic tool in early nuclear tests."
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It is our mission at the National Atomic Testing Museum to document the history of and current events in nuclear testing. We never take a political stance on any issue; rather, we do strive to keep you informed. In each newsletter, my Spot-On column will highlight history and happenings in the nuclear world and at the museum.
The Smithsonian Affiliated National Atomic Testing Museum
“Using lessons of the past to better understand the present.”
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Since the beginning of war in Ukraine, we at the National Atomic Testing Museum (NATM) have been besieged with many good questions pertinent to our current global situation. Few of us thought we would ever see another European war involving a major player such as Russia. Nor did we think the potential of nuclear conflict could become such a relevant topic again. It only makes the mission of the NATM more relevant than ever.
Many of our patrons are well read on current events. They understand the significance of war in Europe but understandably have some very basic questions when hearing terms related to nuclear weapons. That is where we can help.
Over the next twelve months, the Museum will be installing some new exhibits that will deal with those questions. This is thanks to a recent congressional appropriation to support technology-based exhibit upgrades that will strengthen our commitment to STEM educational programming. So, let us cover some of those topics.
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Alan Chavez is a first-generation college student, majoring in mechanical engineering at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He actively holds a position as a student tutor at UNLV and is going to be mentoring upcoming engineering students in the fall semester.
Alan received the opportunity to intern this summer as a mechanical engineer at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory as well as a researcher position at the NATM through a dual-partnership program. His interest in fluid dynamics has inspired Alan to pursue a master's degree in Fluid and Thermo-sciences with the hope to apply such knowledge in the field of aerospace.
In his free time, Alan enjoys exercising and spending time with his family. Some of his hobbies also include cooking, reading, listening to music, and watching movies.
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Thank You to All of Our NATM Volunteers and Interns! |
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David Barber
Alan Chavez
Dale Cox
Martha DeMarre
Jack Doyle
Jacob Fales
Tristan Gorst
Mike Heiner
Lynda Israel
Mike Lukens
Alan Mitchell III
Alexis Santiago Moran
Darwin Morgan
Jared Morgan
Kris Morris
Micah Mugga
Mike O'Connell
Liz Palagi
Johnny Ramirez
Dick Reed
Jorge Valadez
Adrien Van Voorhis
Rod Walker
Ernie Williams
Diane Zapach
Missy Zinner
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We offer our most sincere thanks to Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) and Mission Support and Test Services LLC (MSTS), the management and operating contractor for the Nevada National Security Site, for their recent Diamond Partner contribution to the museum.
NNSS/MSTS has been pivotal to the museum’s STEM education programs and has supported multiple field trips and outreach events.
We are truly grateful to NNSS/MSTS for their continued support of our museum.
For more information on becoming a corporate sponsor of the National Atomic Testing Museum, please contact gillian.riggleman@natm-nv.org.
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Membership News
Thank You to Our New and Renewing Members
and Our Sustaining Supporters!
Diamond Partner Member
Nevada National Security Site/Mission Support and Test Services LLC
Platinum Benefactor
John Longenecker
Gold Associate
Trusted Ally Home Care
VisX Corporation
Silver Friends
JG Management Systems, Inc.
Corporate Donations
Gina Corena & Associates
Benefactor
Charles Costa
John Doyle
Dr. Linda Miller
Richard & Andree Reed
Dr. Michael Voegele
Peter & Marie Zavattaro
Patron
Arden Bicker & Eyline Cowart
John & Marti Browne
Joseph & Helen Calovini
Martha & James DeMarre
Anthony Hechanova
Darwin & Jennifer Morgan
Rodney & Kora Shear
Robert Stoldal
Family
Carl Gertz & Beatrice Reilly
Nooch Jadjuabsint & Rati Rose Vasquez
Silvana Kruger
Deborah & David Logsdon
Individual
Brett Buck
Elizabeth Calman
Curt Carruthers
Peter De Forth
Bryce Dunn Jr.
Paula Engel & Divant Townes
Colin Haggerty
Elizabeth Harrington
Lynn Harrison
Karl Hinkamp
Grant Hursin
Kristie James
Jim Marsh
Stan Mazo
Linda Milam
Megan New
Steven Aaron New
Laura O’Neill
RJ Page
Ghazar Papazian
Jacob Race
Jeffrey Roper
Gregory Smith
Ayeshua Walden
Funding to support our organization has been provided by Nevada Humanities through Congress and the National Endowment for the Humanities as part of the CARES Act economic stabilization plan of 2020.
To become a new member or renew your existing membership, please call 702-409-7366 or visit our membership page.
Membership benefits include free admission to the museum and its programs like the Distinguished Lecture Series, and a discount in the museum store.
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Join the Mercury Society
We invite you to join The Mercury Society if you have made a commitment to support the Nevada Test Site Historical Foundation and the National Atomic Testing Museum through a gift in your will or other planned gift. Benefits of membership include:
- Invitations to NATM insider tours and members-only events
- NATM commemorative memento
- Special Directors Updates
Find out more: 702-409-7366, michael.hall@natm-nv.org
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Funding for the Nevada Test Site Historical Foundation and its major program the National Atomic Testing Museum comes from several sources including gifts from generous donors and foundations, membership dues, admission fees, facility rental fees, and planned gifts.
We rely on you for our support!
We offer a variety of ways to invest today in the future of the Nevada Test Site Historical Foundation as well as the resources you need to make the most informed decision about your giving.
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Become a Member! Members are the bedrock of the Foundation’s success. Membership provides you exclusive benefits and year-round access to the National Atomic Testing Museum.
- Make an annual one-time or sustaining gift of cash or securities.
- Utilize your company's matching gift program.
- Make a direct qualifying charitable distribution from your traditional IRA or Roth IRA.
- Make a gift of estate assets to ensure that your charitable interests are supported.
- Underwrite one of the many programs of the Nevada Test Site Historical Foundation.
For more information call 702-409-7366 or email michael.hall@natm-nv.org.
Today, more than ever, National Atomic Testing Museum remains a linchpin of national security education, a model for STEM programs, a resource for the public, and a key participant in building Nevada’s heritage tourism.
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Support the NATM through
Amazon Smile
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Do you shop on Amazon as much as we do?! Did you know that you can support the NATM with your Amazon purchases and it's SUPER easy?!
Access Amazon via www.smile.amazon.com and select the National Atomic Testing Museum as your chosen organization. We'll get .5% of eligible purchases whenever you shop Amazon by visiting the smile.amazon.com site! We much appreciate your support!
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NATM License Plates Available |
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National Atomic Testing Museum charitable license plates are available through the Nevada DMV, and you don't have to wait until your current plate expires to get one! Just take your current registration and license plates to your nearest DMV and ask for the Atomic Testing Museum license plate.
There will be a one-time fee of $61 and a one-time admin fee of $6. National Atomic Testing Museum license plates can also be personalized for an additional cost. The museum receives $25 for each new license plate, $20 for each year you renew, and you get the tax deduction. It's an easy (and stylish!) way to support the museum. For more information, visit the Nevada DMV website.
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The National Atomic Testing Museum thanks the following corporate donors for their support of the museum: |
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The National Atomic Testing Museum
755 East Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, NV 89119-7373
702-409-7366
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