Since its opening in 1969, the objective of the National Atomic museum
has been to provide a readily accessible repository of educational
materials, and information on the Atomic Age. In addition, the museum's
goal is to preserve, interpret, and exhibit to the public memorabilia
of this Age. In late 1991 the museum was chartered by Congress as the
United States' only official Atomic museum.
Prominently featured in the museum's high bay is the story of the
Manhattan Engineer District, the unprecedented 2.2 billion dollar
scientific-engineering project that was centered in New Mexico during
World War II. The Manhattan Project as it was more commonly called,
developed, built, and tested the world's first Atomic bomb in New
Mexico. This display also includes casings similar to the only Atomic
bombs ever used in warfare. Dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima
and Nagasaki, these two bombs helped bring World War II to an end in
mid-August 1945. The story of the Manhattan Project's three secret
cities, Hanford, Washington, Los Alamos, New Mexico, and Oak Ridge,
Tennessee, is also presented in this area.
A portion of the museum, the low bay, is devoted to exhibits on the
research, development, and use of various forms of nuclear energy.
Historical and other traveling exhibits are also displayed in this area.
Also found in the low bay is the museum's store, which is operated by
the museum's foundation.
Adjacent to the low bay is the theater. The featured film is David
Wolpers classic 1963 production, Ten Seconds That Shook The World. This
excellent film is a 53-minute documentary on the Manhattan Project.
Other films relating to the history of the Atomic Age are available for
viewing and checkout from the library.
Next to the theater is the library/Department of Energy public reading
room, containing government documents that are available to the public
for in-library research. The library also has many nuclear related books
available for reference and checkout.
Located around the outside of the museum are a number of large exhibits.
These include the Boeing B-52B jet bomber that dropped the United
States' last air burst H-bomb in 1962, and a 280-mm (11 inches) Atomic
cannon, once America's most powerful field artillery. Also found in
this area is a Navy TA-7C (a modified A-7B) Corsair II fighter-bomber, a
veteran of the Vietnam War. Many other nuclear weapons systems, rockets,
and missiles are found in this area.
In front of the museum are a pair of Navy Terrier missiles. The Terrier
was the Navy's first operational surface to air missile. To the south
of the museum, next to the visitors parking lot, is a Republic F-105D
Thunderchief fighter-bomber. Further south is a World War II Boeing
B-29 Superfortress. This plane is similar to the B-29's, Enola Gay and
Bockscar that dropped the Atomic bombs on Japan.
The National Atomic Museum, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except
for New Years Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The museum
is located at 20358 Wyoming Blvd. SE, on Kirtland Air Force Base,
Albuquerque, New Mexico. Guided tours for groups are available by
calling (505)845-4636 in advance. Admission and tours are free, and
cameras are always welcome!