"Space: The Final Frontier" with the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

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 for a very special virtual program on Thursday, Sept. 30 at 4 p.m. AZ/PT 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 through 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 action figure that NASA flew in space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery?
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.
Images courtesy of the National Air and Space Museum