Earlier today, you may have seen the news coverage of the transfer of Space Shuttle Discovery to Washington DC on the back of a 747 jetliner. The event of the delivery of a Space Shuttle to the Smithsonian Institution brought thousands of onlookers out to the National Mall to witness Shuttle Discovery at it was flown over our nation’s capitol, and snarled traffic around Dulles International Airport as the jet was making its final approach. Additionally #Discovery was a top trending topic on Twitter throughout the morning. The public reaction to this event leaves no doubt that there is still a high degree of interest in our country’s being a world space and technology leader.

We agree that it is important to preserve America’s history and future as a space faring nation and as a developer of advanced aviation technology. We see our mission to inspire future generations as an important one, and we invite you to join us in creating that future. The youth of today are the scientists, engineers and doctors of tomorrow. We need your help to inspire them to explore new frontiers and find solutions to the problems facing society. Although our efforts are over four years old, we are just getting off the launch pad.

Much has already been accomplished. In the past twelve months we not only brought back the original training gondola (the Mercury 7 Gondola) used by many notable astronauts, but we also obtained, literally, truckloads of other artifacts important to local history; not the least of which is Flanagan Grey’s Iron Maiden.

In addition to building our collection of artifacts and exhibits, we have also begun to develop the most important aspect of our mission; reaching out to schools and other organization to lay the groundwork for our educational outreach and learning programs. In just the past few months we attended our first science fair, hosted the Commonwealth Connections Academy, and presented at the Franklin Institute. We will also be featured at the NJ State Museum in Trenton this month. We have also made presentations to numerous local senior centers, rotary clubs, scout groups and community centers.

The next twelve months will be very important as for us as we search for a full time home to display our collection and as a place to continue to educate and inform the public. We look forward to cleaning and preserving the Mercury 7 Gondola. Plans for a pavilion to house it are also in the works. These efforts will require resources which are not currently in our possession. We ask for your continued support by attending our Third Annual Gala to be held at the VE Club at 130 Davisville Road in Warminster on April 28th at 5:00 PM; by doing so you will help us to continue our journey and fulfill our mission.

Information about the Gala is available at our website at www.nadcmuseum.org. Tickets are available by contacting nadcmuseum@comcast.net or 267-250-8841. Without people like you who care and support us, we would have never accomplished as much as we have and we would not be able to continue into the future.

I personally thank you for your continued support.

Michael Maguire
President, Johnsville Centrifuge & Science Museum