Nuclear Times: Summer 2014

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542 Natum vere numenis simus, od qui beribus siti con plautem 1 Now accepting entries for the Museum’s 2014 Photography Competition Nuclear Times Nuclear Times nuclearmuseum.org Atomic STEaM Atomic STEaM Summer 2014 Summer 2014 Sacrifice & Service Sacrifice & Service Experience the history and the sacrifice of our nation’s steadfast and unsung heroes

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Posted online three times a year, the members' newsletter, Nuclear Times, features a calendar of upcoming events as well as articles on current and upcoming exhibits, education programs, and other important Museum news.

Transcript of Nuclear Times: Summer 2014

Page 1: Nuclear Times: Summer 2014

542Natum vere numenis simus, od qui beribus

siti con plautem

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Now accepting entries for the Museum’s 2014 Photography Competition

Nuclear TimesNuclear Times

nuclearmuseum.org

Atomic STEaMAtomic STEaM

Summer 2014Summer 2014

Sacrifice & ServiceSacrifice & ServiceExperience the history and the

sacrifice of our nation’s steadfast and unsung heroes

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CoNTENTS

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Letter from the Director: PartNershiPs

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Honorary TrusteesPete V. Domenici

senator (ret.)Dr. murray Gell-mann

Nobel Laureaterichard rhodes

Pulitzer Prize Winner

OfficersDr. John stichman

PresidentJohn shaw

Vice PresidentPam sullivan

secretarymarcus mims, cPa

treasurerDick Peebles

Past President

TrusteesKarrie Bota

marshall cohenJim ferland

maureen GannonDr. Damon Giovanielli

Dr. michael hartshorneDr. Jaqueline L. Kiplinger

curt mitchkerichard PerryJody redeker

alison schulermichael strizich

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sacrifice & serVice: the americaN miLitary famiLy

museum PhotoGraPhy comPetitioN 2014

u-238 atomic eNerGy LaB

a BeautifuL ceLeBratioN eVeNt

aN eVeNiNG of theater at the museum9

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moVie uNDer the WiNGs

scieNce WiLL Be eVeryWhere this summer!

11 WeLcome traVis!

12 Letter from aN iNterN: soPhia PushKiN

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eiNsteiN society GaLa

14 uPcomiNG eVeNts

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LETTEr froM ThE DirECTor

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Partnership; i love this word. it represents the very nature of this museum and its collaborative history and ventures. for those that have watched us grow, you know we would not be here without incredible partners, staff, Board members, dedicated volunteers, donors, members, the air force base, sandia, Doe and our city. i truly cannot hope to name them all or all that they have done.

We all participate in partnerships, whether they are at work, with our family or in our community. the National museum of Nuclear science & history is very proud of the incredible community support that is received for our many programs and projects, all of which are due to our partnerships. indeed, we have recently been the recipients of a generous amount of support regarding several wonderful activities. these actions move us forward as an institution and represent an investment between our work and those that find it beneficial to our community. i would like to note two recent projects that represent partnership at its highest level of commitment and achievement. the first is a new effort to erect the conning tower of the James. K. Polk (sBN 645) nuclear submarine in heritage Park. this truly historic object was acquired by the museum in 1999, and due to the fact that we did not yet have our permanent home established, we were not able to properly proceed to mount it for public display until recently. as fate would have it, the museum qualified for the “encore fellowship Program” – a program administered through the united Way with financial support from intel – where recently retired intel engineers are compensated and recruited to work on important community projects. after drafting the project to create a submarine exhibition, we were partnered with frank fernando as our new project manager to complete this particular exhibit. our partnership with frank has been wonderful, as he is truly engaged and is enjoying the diversity of work that the museum offers. in addition, he has cultivated new partners as well, including Lafarge for concrete, J.B. henderson construction

Ex OfficioDr. L. Wayne Brasurematthew a. GriffinJames K. WaltherMuseum Director

Trustees EmeritusJerry adamshal BehlDr. robert BuschJoel carlsonDan hardincharles r. LoeberKimberly e.s. meagherJudith meadDoug moodyGreg morrisonharry mummaharold rarrickLyle talbotWarner talsoBrig. Gen. (ret.) h. tom taylorDr. ruth Weiner

museum PhotoGraPhy comPetitioN 2014

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LETTEr froM ThE DirECTor (Continued)

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Sincerely,

Jim Walther, Museum Director

and enterprise Builders for excavation, just to name a few. the submarine exhibit will be a hub of activity throughout the summer, and additional volunteers are always welcome.

the second project also represents immense support and partnership. We are so excited to partner with Jerry hanks in his mission to help create a permanent memorial and exhibit about the New mexico air National Guard, fondly known as “the tacos”. Jerry retired from sandia Labs after a career in engineering and executive support, and he has formed many lasting relationships in his time as a marine corps. major and as a member of state government. Jerry has worked hard to promote excitement in our local aviation and air force community in order to make this exhibit possible. With this additional support, including help from all of the base logistics departments, Jerry was able to organize the relocation of the abandoned f-16 fighting falcon from Kirtland air force Base to our outdoor exhibit area. Jerry

has also raised substantial funding to recondition and restore the exterior display surfaces of the jet to exhibit the New mexico air National Guard 150th fighter Wing, “the tacos,” tail insignia and trim. as this is currently underway, we will soon hold a dedication of the f-16 exhibition to thank and honor our many partners, donors and many friends of the New mexico air National Guard.

Partners make the museum a community resource and a fun and exciting place to work. they are at every level in our museum world, and we could not – and would not - succeed without them. i thank each and every partner of the National museum of Nuclear science & history, from early inception to our efforts today, and to future partners we have yet to meet. your support of the museum is expressed in your strong partnerships that help to make us a success.

Jim Walther, museum Director

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Sacrifice & Service: The american miliTary familythe National museum of Nuclear science & history, in partnership with the museum of the american military family, will celebrate america’s rich military history through the voices of its military families. this touching special exhibition, “sacrifice & service: the american military family,” will open on memorial Day, may 26, 2014, and will run through august 31, 2014.

through written word and interactive activities, visitors will experience the joy, the sorrow and the sacrifice of america’s steadfast and unsung heroes, the military family. housing sentimental elements ranging from dog tags and footlockers overflowing with military memorabilia, to hundreds of family photographs and an actual classroom setting emulating education abroad, this temporary exhibit will evoke reflection and pride in our service members and their brave families.

“the strength, courage and commitment portrayed by all american military families is fascinating and inspirational,” Jim Walther, museum Director. “We are honored to host an exhibit that will resonate with many and is sure to paint a vivid picture of the stresses and excitement associated with having a service person in one’s family.”

“sacrifice & service: the american military family” will show the resilience of the military family as they face the stress of regular relocation to new

homes, the sorrow and deep sadness that comes with the loss of a family member and the overall pride and honor of supporting a loved one who is serving our nation.

sponsors for this special exhibit include Lockheed martin/sandia National Laboratories, raytheon, Bernalillo county, elks Lodge #2500 and marriott residence inn.

in conjunction with “sacrifice & service,” additional family events and educational activities will be announced to take place while the special exhibition is on display at the National museum of Nuclear science & history. Visit nuclearmuseum.org for event dates and times.

admission to experience “sacrifice & service: the american military family” is included in the price of admission to the museum; $8 for adults and $7 for youth and seniors.

the museum will host a members-only reception on friday, may 30, to officially introduce the exhibit to members. this event, free to museum members, will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

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Do you enjoy capturing memories and everyday occurrences with the camera on your phone? are you a professional photographer with an artistic eye and a deep passion for photography? No matter your fascination with capturing special moments through photography, we invite you to share your talents and possibly have your photographs exhibited in the National museum of Nuclear science & history.

the museum will host the very first “atomic steam Photography show,” an exhibition and competition that invites all members of the community to share their photographic talent and eye for everything that is science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (steam), on display November 8 through January 4, 2015.

any individual, from a professional photographer to a student with a camera phone, may submit a photograph to this competition/exhibition with the hope to not only win a cash prize but to also have their work on display in a nationally accredited, smithsonian affiliated museum. though all photographs must relate in some way to the overall theme of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics, they are open to interpretation by the photographer.

the categories of steam are all-encompassing; they may range from the literal engineering

feats of the Great Wall of china and the Great Pyramid of Giza, to the abstract interpretation of science as seen through a plant experiencing photosynthesis. the possibilities for amazing photography centered on steam are truly endless.

all entries will be reviewed by the three selected jurors throughout the contest. images will be judged on originality, technical excellence, composition, overall impact and artistic merit. this year’s jurors will include thomas Barrow, emeritus Professor of art and art history at the university of New mexico; mary anne redding, chair of Photography Department of the santa fe university of art and Design; and steve yates, fulbright scholar, museum curator, Photographic artist, international Lecturer and Writer.

entries may be made online at nuclearmuseum.org, and each entry requires a fee of $15. there is no limit to the amount of entries an individual can submit. entry deadline is friday, august 29, 2014, and notification of judges’ decisions will be announced on friday, october 10, 2014. cash awards will be presented to first, second and third place, as well as three honorable mention awards.

Visit nuclearmuseum.org and enter your steam photographs today!

muSeum PhoTograPhy comPeTiTion 2014

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alfred carlton Gilbert (1884-1961) is best known as the inventor of the erector set, a popular construction toy sold by his company, the a.c. Gilbert company, in 1913. By 1935, he had sold 30 million sets. in addition to his science related toys, he purchased the american flyer toy train line, making it one of the most realistic toy trains on the market. a natural inventor, Gilbert invented the pole vault box. Gilbert was also an accomplished athlete winning the gold medal in pole-vaulting at the 1908 London olympics.

in 1941, Gilbert opened the Gilbert hall of science in New york city, an early science and technology museum. the museum’s intent was to teach invention, promote science to young people and to promote his products. after World War ii, with the american public obsessed with anything nuclear, Gilbert partnered with the massachusetts institute of technology to produce the u-238 atomic energy Lab.

the u-238 atomic energy Lab was sold in 1950-51 for $49.50 (about $466.00 in 2014 dollars). it featured a Geiger radiation counter, an electroscope, a spinthariscope, a cloud chamber, three low level radiation sources, four samples of uranium, nuclear spheres used to build models of molecules, the Gilbert atomic energy manual, the comic book Learn how Dagwood splits the atom and three c size batteries.

all of these components were packed in a hinged case with a carrying handle. Disclaimers were included, such as youngsters shouldn’t take too long to use their kits, because the radioactive elements would deteriorate over “a period ranging from one to 50 years.” the kit was destined to have a brief life span.

the problem with the Gilbert u-238 atomic energy Laboratory was that it was very expensive to produce. the company actually lost money

on each one that was sold. in 1951, the company ended production of the kit. even so this kit and the company’s other science related products helped foster an interest in science in those lucky enough to have own one. the museum’s u-238 atomic energy Lab kits were a generous gift from Dr. Jay shelton.

objecT aT hand: u-238 aTomic energy lab

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asian american and Pacific islander heritage month is a commemoration, welcoming communities across america to celebrate the cultural customs, native languages and exceptional experiences exemplified among more than 47 ethnic groups from asia and the Pacific islands who live in the united states.

for 17 years, the museum, in partnership with the sandia National Laboratories asian Leadership outreach committee and the federal Bureau of investigation, has hosted a very specialized event to recognize this significant month. it is with great pride that the museum and event committee invite you to experience the 18th annual asian Pacific islander american heritage festival on saturday, may 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

museum visitors will be mesmerized by tantalizing dance performances; participate in hands-on activities such as origami, brush painting and calligraphy; and observe beautiful ikebana floral arrangements. Visitors will also be able to taste traditional asian food samples provided by Pf changs, as well as explore the fascinating world

of tea by indulging in samples from the fragrant Leaf.

through the continuing support of the chinese cultural center and Lin’s martial arts academy, New mexico school of chinese Language and arts, ichiyo school of ikebana, ikebana international chapter 41 and the New mexico school of chinese Language & arts, museum visitors will be treated to performances including chinese martial arts, Japanese taiko drumming, east indian dancing, hawaiian hula dancing and much more!

sponsors for the celebration include sandia National Laboratories asian Leadership outreach committee, Pf chang’s and the National museum of Nuclear science & history.

the event is free with museum admission; $8 for adults and $7 for youth and seniors. for more information about this event, please call 505-245-2137, extension 105.

a beauTiful celebraTion evenT

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come and enjoy an evening of theater at the museum, and experience history through the exquisite performance of Duke city repertory theatre’s (Dcrt) live production of “these shining Lives.”

in what is sure to be one of the museum’s most memorable collaborations, guests will enjoy a special performance and discussion of “these shining Lives,” an inspiring tale of determination, strength and justice. Doors will open at 6:00 pm on friday, may 23, and patrons will be provided with an opportunity to mingle with the cast and members of Dcrt before the performance begins at 7:00 pm.

“these shining Lives” follows a young woman, catherine Donahue, in the 1920s as she works for a large company, painting the hour markings on watch dials using a radium compound that glows in the dark. Per Donahue, “it was a job of the

century, the job of our dreams.” as our heroine becomes ill due to radium poisoning from the paint compound, the company turns a blind eye, and she and her co-workers decide to take a stand and fight back.

this special performance showcases a unique partnership between the museum and Duke city repertory theatre, as it is sure to provide a profound experience to all who attend, while also bringing attention to a very relevant time history.

for more information regarding the special performance of “these shining Lives,” taking place at the National museum of Nuclear science & history on may 23, please visit nuclearmuseum.org. to purchase your tickets in advance, please visit dukecityrep.com. tickets are $25 for adults and $17 for youth and seniors.

an evening of TheaTer aT The muSeum

enjoy the museum and New mexico’s beautiful weather this summer, and be entertained by the museum’s second annual movie under the Wings, taking place on saturday, august 2, in our heritage Park. this annual outdoor event is sure to thrill everyone with the blockbuster movie, “the hunger Games: catching fire,” great entertainment involving activities for the family, yummy local food trucks and more!

Doors will open at 7:30 pm for this unique museum experience, and the movie will begin at

dark. Guests are asked to bring portable outdoor chairs and to kindly leave any four-legged friends at home.

this exciting event is free with regular museum admission of $8 for adults and $7 for youth and seniors. Visit nuclearmuseum.org to purchase your august 2, 2014, extended-hours museum admission, and enjoy a movie under the stars – and airplane wings - with the museum!

movie under The WingS

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Science Will be everyWhere ThiS Summer!this year will mark the 17th year of scientific fun in the museum’s “science is everywhere” summer camp 2014! running may 27 through august 8, this awesome summer camp provides themed, week-long learning adventures where children, ages 6 through 16, can explore the world of science in an exciting and educational setting. With a different theme for each week, students have the opportunity to explore many facets of science and history through hands-on exploration and investigation.

the 2014 “science is everywhere” summer camp will be busting at the seams with exciting experiments and awesome observations in camps such as csi: camp scene investigation, superhero training camp, Grossology, myths Busted, Lotions & Potions and many more! camps such as roboquest i, ii and iii are always a huge hit, as campers are thrilled to design, build, program

and test their very own robot models. rockets, rockets, rockets is also an exciting camp, where young engineers build, test and launch their own rockets. By the end of this camp, students will be able to go home and tell their parents, yes, he or she is a rocket scientist!

this year, the museum will also offer a camp for teenage scientists for the first time. campers, ages 14-16, can enroll in “Loboquest,” a special camp offered at the university of New mexico school of engineering. students will learn robotics programming with the guidance of experienced staff, including graduate students from uNm.

camp enrollment is limited based on the course subject, and many camps are already filling up. Please visit nuclearmuseum.org to register today, or call 505-245-2137, extension 103, for more information. see you this summer!

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as our constantly growing and ever-popular education programs roll into the non-stop summer season, the museum will welcome a new part-time staff member into the education Department. travis tester will work throughout the summer to assist the education team in preparation for “science is everywhere” summer camp 2014 as well as other programs centered on family programming.

travis is a native New mexican, uNm graduate and experienced albuquerque Public school educator. he has worked with all ages from kindergarten to eight grade and is currently teaching fifth grade at sandia Base elementary.

travis is very much looking forward to his time at the museum and feels this partnership will be beneficial on many levels.

“i am most excited about gaining more experience teaching science content and finding new and innovative ways to incorporate stem activities into my curriculum at the museum and in my classroom,” said travis.

congratulations to travis, and welcome to the museum!

Welcome TraviS!

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LETTEr froM AN iNTErN By Sophia Pushkin

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as a student studying strategic communications with an emphasis on design, this internship opportunity has been a perfect fit for me. i was hired as a marketing intern, which included dual roles involving both social media marketing and graphic design. in the social media marketing role, my goal has been to engage followers and to make them feel like part of the museum community. i conducted research to find relevant posts for facebook that would introduce followers to the fun aspects of nuclear science.

in addition to facebook research, i helped to start an instagram account that featured photos of exhibits, gift shop items, events and other areas of interest. the goal of instagram was to capture the excitement of the museum and present it in a way that would intrigue viewers and entice them to visit. as far as graphic design, i was assigned tasks such as making brochures, logo designs, birthday cards and layouts. each of these projects

has enhanced my software capabilities. this position has opened my eyes to how incredible and detailed the world of design can be.

Working with talented supervisors brought in a flow of constant inspiration and broadened my understanding in the field of marketing. i was given the chance to experience the work place and take on my own responsibilities that in turn has allowed me to build my portfolio. in my time here, i felt that i was treated like a part of the museum family. i came into this internship wide-eyed, yet anxious, not knowing what the experience would be, and i leave with a great sense of confidence and motivation that i didn’t even know i possessed. i cannot thank the staff enough for allowing me to be a part of their community and for treating me like a valued team member. this has been a wonderful experience that i will never forget.

The museum’s high school interns attend the 2014 einstein Society Gala to present their Science a la Carte lessons.Sophia Pushkin at the 2014 Einstein Society Gala

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einSTein SocieTy gala

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We are proud to say the 17th annual einstein society Gala was the most successful gala to date! thank you to all who made this possible.

Pictured left to right: Jim Walther, museum Director; steve Kuczynski, President and ceo of southern Nuclear, accepting the award on behalf of southern company; marv fertel, President and ceo of Nuclear energy institute (Nei); and John stichman, President of National atomic museum foundation

outstanding STem students and educators with congresswoman michelle lujan-grisham.

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May 1: science on tapMay 10: asian Pacific islander american heritage festivalMay 23: “these shining Lives” special PerformanceMay 26: sacrifice & service: the american military family exhibit opensMay 27 - August 8: “science is everywhere” Week-Long summer camps May 30: sacrifice & service: the american military family members receptionMay 31: Book reading: reconciliation, a son’s story by steve sparksJune 1: Book reading: reconciliation, a son’s story by steve sparksJune 15: Book reading: footsteps to forever, by r. samuel Baty; Notes from the other side of the mountain by J. allen WhittJuly 4: film: Brothers at War and Q&a with filmmaker Jake rademacher July 15: Dedication of the B-47August 2: movie under the WingsAugust 16: Poetry & spoken Word: 4 Voices on the 4thAugust 23: film: We served too and Q&a with filmmaker Jill Bond

uPcoming evenTS

folloW uS on inSTagram!

@NuCLEArMuSEuM