National Atomic Testing Museum -- Nevada

Always searching for a geeky attraction we found the National Atomic Testing Museum - a museum detailing the history of the Manhattan Project and the subsequent testing of atomic weapons in the desert outside of Las Vegas and out in the Pacific between 1945 and the early 1990's when testing was banned by most nuclear nations. The museum contains over 12,000 artifacts within 11,000 square feet of exhibits and memorabilia from the start of the Atomic Age and the first atomic test in July, 16, 1945 (code named Trinity) and through Cold War. Exhibits cover the rise of the "Atomic culture" in the United States in art, toys, television and movies, books, and the development of the "Duck and Cover" era. The museum helps to focus on the human side of the atomic weapons program and the people who worked to help create these weapons and ensure their safety. My husband was positively glowing with excitement and the kids were delighted with the hands on exhibits. 

  

    




In addition to the permanent exhibits the museum has temporary special engagement exhibits and the current one is about the infamous "Area 51" and the history of Unidentified Flying Objects AND the top secret Air Force installation where the nation's most advanced aircraft are designed and tested. The first ever exhibit on Area 51 was developed with the help of the very people that worked there. This exhibit will explore the real truth, the real programs, and address the secrecy that surrounds the base at Groom Lake including a look at the development of some of the US Air Forces more unique aircraft.

There is something for everyone to experience in displays presenting the history of the development and testing of one of man’s most significant feats of engineering - the atomic bomb.

The National Atomic Testing Museum is a repository for one of the most comprehensive collections of nuclear history. As part of its mission, the National Atomic Testing Museum seeks to collect and preserve a wide variety of materials and artifacts relating to atomic testing, the Nevada Test Site, the Cold War, and nuclear and radiological science and technology. The current collection includes thousands of rare photographs, videos, artifacts, scientific and nuclear reports and data and one-of-a kind scientist collections.


http://www.nationalatomictestingmuseum.org