Museum of Nuclear Science and History

When in Albuquerque, NM if you are in the neighborhood of the Eubank gate you will notice the Museum of Nuclear Science and History.  For me it was hard to miss, the word ‘Nuclear” is an attention getter for me!  The museum is well laid out and everything is explained in simple to understand language.  There are also plenty of docents available and eager to help. What I found really interesting is that the Museum (formerly named National Atomic Museum) is a national repository of nuclear science information. "The mission of the National Atomic Museum is to serve as America's resource for nuclear history and science. The Museum presents exhibits and quality educational programs that convey the diversity of individuals and events that shape the historical and technical context of the nuclear age."  I found that most of the displays deal with the Manhattan Project and nuclear weapons.  A little disappointing for me since I am a product of the Admiral Rickover years with the naval nuclear propulsion program.  There was a little exhibit for this material and they do have the full sail from the James K. Polk in the courtyard.
In 1969, the Museum was on the grounds of Kirtland Air Force Base in an old 90mm anti-aircraft gun repair facility, and named "Sandia Atomic Museum". It was the result of a six-year effort to establish a museum to tell the story of the base and the development of nuclear weapons, and was staffed by United States Air Force (USAF) personnel with help from Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). In 1973, the Museum name changed to "National Atomic Museum", but it did not yet have a national charter. In 1985, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) became responsible for the Museum, and the staff became DOE employees. In 1991 the Museum received its charter as a national museum and its mission expanded to include aspects of nuclear science and history beyond the manufacturing of nuclear weapons. The Museum also became affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution. In 1992 the National Atomic Museum Foundation (NAMF) was created to act as a supporting organization for the Museum and reduce the financial burden on taxpayers. DOE transferred Museum operation to SNL in 1995, and Museum staff became SNL employees.
After the terror attacks in September 2001, increased security restricted public access to the Museum's on-base site and forced relocation to a former REI store in Old Town Albuquerque's museum district. In 2005, SNL transferred operational responsibility to NAMF. SNL employees working as museum staff moved to other positions within Sandia. The Museum hired new staff who became employees of NAMF.
When the Museum relocated to Albuquerque's museum district, the site had inadequate space for outdoor exhibits. In January 2005, NAMF asked DOE/NNSA (National Nuclear Security Administration) for 12 acres of land at the intersection of Eubank and Southern Boulevards in southeast Albuquerque for construction of a new museum. The new Museum opened on April 4, 2009 in its new location under the new name National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.

Exhibits at the museum include:

 Pioneers of the Atom— An interactive display that introduces the individuals who questioned and defined the matter which makes up the universe. This display includes an interactive kiosk to trace the study of the atom.

World War II—A display that teaches the history leading up to the creation and use of the atomic bomb and the countries that became involved.

Secrets, Lies & Atomic Spies— You experience the world of espionage, as secrets and spies infiltrated New Mexico during WWII and the Cold War.

The Decision to Drop— The dawn of the Atomic Age began with the design and testing of the world’s first atomic bomb during the Manhattan Project. You get a view of the daily lives of the scientists who lived at Los Alamos and journey with them to the Trinity site where the first explosion occurred in 1945.  The Decision to Drop exhibit works very hard to provide an objective view of the subject.  It includes a contentious Edward Teller statement advocating a high-altitude night-time demonstration detonation over Tokyo to precipitate Japanese surrender, text of statements by Japanese politicians and military leaders, a copy of the petition protesting use without warning submitted by nuclear physicist Leó Szilárd, and photographs from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The display also features video footage of the reminiscences of Col. Paul Tibbets (pilot of the Enola Gay), and coverage of the emotion the surrender of Japan produced in the United States.

Cold War— An examination of the strategic conflict between the United States and the USSR in the second half of the 20th Century, through US nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands and at the Nevada Test Site, Soviet nuclear development, the October 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, and leading to the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union. This also includes the Palomares exhibition, an extensive accounting of the January 17, 1966 mid-air collision between two USAF aircraft (a B-52 bomber and a KC-135 tanker) over Palomares, Almería resulting in radioactive contamination following the accidental dropping of four hydrogen bombs.

Heritage Park—An outdoor exhibit is complete with planes, rockets, missiles, cannons, and a nuclear submarine sail.

Nuclear Medicine— A display of early and modern medical equipment using principles of nuclear physics.

Little Al's Lab— An area presided over by an animatronic version of Albert Einstein, provides hands-on, family-friendly science activities for children.

Energy Encounter — A series of displays focusing on civilian use of nuclear power

Radiation 101— A display of everyday items and activities that expose people to ionizing radiation.

Atomic Pop Culture— Every visitor will be entertained while viewing how American popular culture reflected the dawning of the Atomic Age. This includes vintage movie memorabilia, comic books, accessories and more.

Nuclear Waste Transportation— The TruPact II container is on display in this exhibit - a type of transportation container used by the US Department of Energy (DOE) to transport transuranic waste.

Uranium Cycle— An exhibit where you learn about the steps in the process required to change uranium into a usable form for nuclear power plants or weapons as well as options for disposal and recycling.

Nano—An interactive exhibition where you can imagine and discover a world you can’t see, and learn about big ideas that come from the small world of nanoscience.

Like I said this museum will entertain everyone – from the Big Bang Theory level science fan to those studying nuclear science.  All the exhibits are plain English and there is more information available for those versed in the trade!  I was very impressed with Decision to Drop exhibit since it really seemed to cover how complicated the decision was along with the controversy that came along with the decision process.  Did I mention they have a submarine sail – only three numbers off from my last boat!  How’s that for old! The cost is $12 for adults with a discount (of varying degree) for just about anything you can think of! I would plan a half-day, more if the weather is nice and someone in your party likes planes or missiles as the outdoor displays will keep them occupied.