On Friday, October 3, 2025, the New Mexico Museum of Space History will once again open its doors to curious minds and history enthusiasts for its monthly Launch Pad Lecture Series. This installment will feature Michael Shinabery, the Museum’s Director of Education, who is known for his engaging storytelling style and deep well of knowledge. With an animated delivery that captivates audiences, Shinabery will guide attendees through the fascinating origins of the Museum of Space History—a story that begins long before rockets ever launched from White Sands and before NASA itself even came into existence.
The Vision Behind a Museum of Space History
The roots of the New Mexico Museum of Space History trace back to the dream of Dwight Ohlinger, a man whose vision set the stage for what would become a world-class institution. Ohlinger imagined a place that would not only celebrate humanity’s achievements in spaceflight but also recognize the individuals and scientific advancements that made exploration beyond Earth possible.
From this idea emerged the International Space Hall of Fame, a cornerstone of the museum’s mission. The Hall of Fame honors astronauts, scientists, engineers, and visionaries who played pivotal roles in shaping humanity’s journey into space. By connecting personal stories with broader milestones in space exploration, the museum carved out a unique identity: one rooted in both local heritage and the universal human drive to explore the unknown.
New Mexico: The Cradle of Space Exploration
When people think of space history, places like Houston, Cape Canaveral, or even Huntsville often come to mind. Yet, as Shinabery will emphasize in his lecture, New Mexico played a foundational role in the earliest days of space science. Long before NASA was established in 1958, the wide skies and vast deserts of the state became a proving ground for rocket tests, balloon flights, and groundbreaking research.
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The proximity to White Sands Missile Range, Holloman Air Force Base, and the legacy of Robert Goddard’s early rocket experiments positioned New Mexico as a natural home for space innovation. Scientists, engineers, and military personnel converged on the region to push the limits of technology and imagination. The museum itself, located in Alamogordo, was created to preserve and share this legacy, ensuring that the story of space exploration remains deeply connected to its New Mexico roots.
Influential Figures and NASA Connections
Shinabery’s lecture will also highlight the NASA scientists and engineers whose influence helped shape the museum’s development. As the United States accelerated its space program in the mid-20th century, the contributions of these pioneers were instrumental not only in advancing technology but also in shaping public understanding of space exploration.
The museum’s exhibits and archives document the contributions of these individuals, from the early test pilots who risked their lives in experimental flights to the scientists who developed life-support systems and propulsion technologies. The International Space Hall of Fame enshrines their legacies, serving as a bridge between New Mexico’s local history and the broader narrative of human achievement in space.
The Launch Pad Lecture Series
The Launch Pad Lecture Series, hosted on the first Friday of each month, has become a signature event for the museum. These lectures bring together staff members, guest speakers, and members of the public to explore topics ranging from the history of early rocketry to visions of humanity’s future among the stars.
For October’s session, Shinabery will focus on how the museum itself came into being—an origin story that reveals the ambition, collaboration, and foresight behind its founding. Attendees can expect not just a recounting of facts, but a lively, engaging presentation that blends historical detail with storytelling flair.
Why This Lecture Matters
Space history is not just about rockets, astronauts, or missions to the Moon. It is also about the communities and institutions that preserve and interpret these stories for future generations. The New Mexico Museum of Space History is more than just a collection of artifacts; it is a living testament to the spirit of exploration.
By tracing the museum’s origins back to Ohlinger’s dream and examining the role of New Mexico as a hub for innovation, Shinabery’s lecture offers audiences a chance to appreciate the broader context of spaceflight. For local residents, it is a reminder of the vital role their state has played in shaping global history. For visitors, it is an opportunity to connect personal curiosity with the grand narrative of human exploration.
Event Details
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Guest Speaker: Michael Shinabery, Director of Education, New Mexico Museum of Space History
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Topic: The Origins of the New Mexico Museum of Space History
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Date: Friday, October 3, 2025
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Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM MDT
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Location: New Horizons Dome Theater, New Mexico Museum of Space History,
3198 State Road 2001, Alamogordo, NM 88310
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The lecture is free to attend, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Whether you are a longtime supporter of the museum or a newcomer eager to learn about space history, this event promises to be both educational and inspiring.
Looking Ahead
As humanity continues to expand its presence in space—planning missions to Mars, developing lunar habitats, and pushing deeper into the solar system—the importance of remembering our past grows even stronger. Institutions like the New Mexico Museum of Space History ensure that the pioneering spirit of the early space age is not forgotten.
Through the Launch Pad Lecture Series, the museum fosters dialogue and discovery, encouraging people of all ages to see themselves as part of the ongoing story of exploration. Shinabery’s lecture on October 3 is not just about the history of a museum; it is about the enduring human dream to reach for the stars.
For more information about the event or to explore upcoming lectures, visit the museum’s official website at www.nmspacemuseum.org.
