Displaying Cold War Technology: The National Air and Space Museum, 1946-1976

Abstract

The formative planning for the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (NASM) between 1946 and 1976 reflected changing notions about aeronautics and space science of Cold War America. After World War II, the National Air Museum (NAM) was proposed as a demonstration of America’s emerging role as a global superpower by displaying the advances made in aviation over more than half a century. With the initial intention of the military leadership to present the significance of airpower, the NAM had rationalized its identity as “a shrine for American aviation” particularly after acquiring the Kitty Hawk in 1948 and securing its site in the National Mall in 1958. The objectives of the NAM shifted from commemoration to education with the advent of the Space Age and the new leadership of the Smithsonian Institution in the 1960s. The reform of national science education and increasing attention to space programs after Sputnik were coupled with the Smithsonian’s efforts to reshape the museum and, eventually, changed its name from NAM to NASM by adding term “Space.” Nonetheless, the actual building plan was impeded by limited staffing, competition with other projects in the Smithsonian, and budgetary limitations due to the Vietnam War. In 1969, in the wake of Apollo 11, the delay of the NASM planning attracted attention from the media, military, and Congress. The NASM advocates turned the criticism into opportunity by emphasizing the dual missions, commemoration and education, with two strategic decisions: a planetarium for public science education and the opening the museum in time for American Bicentennial celebration. After the appropriation for construction in 1972, the NASM reoriented its direction with a new organization and exhibit policies to meet the deadline of July 4, 1976. To present “balanced” perspective, the staff sometimes justified their selection of artifacts and provided historical narratives in conjunction with the interests of government and aerospace agencies. When the NASM finally opened its doors in 1976, the museum proved a tremendous success, but still had enormous potential for displaying more complete stories of the history, culture, and science of aviation and spaceflight with new historians on staff.