NASM Department of Space History curator, Margaret Weitekamp.

Whether in President John F. Kennedy’s “New Frontier” or Star Trek’s iconic opening monologue, the frontier metaphor has evoked strong reactions in ways that have been inspiring – and sometimes problematic. Join us as Dr. Margaret A. Weitekamp, chair of the Space History Department at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum explores the many connections between Westerns and spaceflight though some of her favorite objects: toys. What can we learn from a Buck Rogers XZ-31 Rocket Pistol from 1934? And how does that connect to a Buzz Lightyear that NASA flew in space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery?

Inspired by the Arizona Historical Society’s Tucson exhibit, “Ready to Launch: Arizona’s Place in Space,” Weitekamp will use this virtual presentation as a chance to link the collections in Washington, DC to the ones on view at the Arizona History Museum in Tucson.

This program was inspired by the exhibit “Ready to Launch: Arizona’s Place in Space” and developed in partnership with staff from the Arizona Historical Society and Smithsonian Affiliations.

DATE: Thursday, September 30, 2021

TIME: 4:00 .m. (AZ) / 7:00 p.m. (ET)

FEATURING: Dr. Margaret A. Weitekamp, chair of the Space History Department at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum

This Virtual Scholar Talk will be recorded. Closed Captioning will also be provided.

Image courtesy of the National Air and Space Museum, Mark Avino