Restore the Redstone and Terrier
JOIN OUR CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN
Imagine the impact we can have when we unite for a common cause. Our crowdfunding campaign, "Preserving Pillars of American Strength," is a testament to the power of community. By pooling our resources, we can achieve something truly significant: the restoration of the Redstone and Terrier missiles.
This isn't about relying on a few large donors; it's about thousands of individuals like you making a tangible difference. Your contribution, combined with others, will fuel the meticulous work needed to preserve these crucial pieces of American heritage.
A Call to Honor Our Past and Inspire Our Future
We are guardians of a complex and transformative era at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Among our most powerful and evocative artifacts are the towering Redstone Missile and the Convair RIM-2 Terrier Surface-to-Air Missile. These are not just inert pieces of metal; they are tangible links to pivotal moments in American history, representing our nation's ingenuity, our commitment to defense, and our bold ventures into the unknown.
However, time and the harsh realities of our desert climate have taken their toll. The vibrant insignia on the Redstone, symbols of its groundbreaking achievements, are fading. The Terrier, a sentinel of our nation's defense during a critical period, suffers from weathered paint and surface degradation. Allowing these powerful symbols to deteriorate further would diminish the impact of their stories and our nation's legacy.
Why is it Imperative to Restore and Preserve These Historic Artifacts?
Inspiring Future Generations: These artifacts serve as powerful educational tools, sparking curiosity and inspiring young minds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). By seeing these tangible examples of American innovation and strength, future generations can gain a deeper understanding of our history and be motivated to pursue their own paths of discovery and contribution to our nation.
Upholding Our Responsibility as Stewards of History: As a nation, we are responsible for preserving the artifacts that tell our story, both the triumphs and the challenges. Allowing these significant pieces of our past to decay diminishes our collective memory and weakens our understanding of how we arrived at the present.
A Symbol of American Resilience: The Redstone and the Terrier embody the spirit of American resilience and our ability to overcome technological and strategic challenges. Their restoration will serve as a powerful reminder of our nation's enduring strength and capacity for innovation.
About the Redstone
The Redstone Missile is a monumental testament to American scientific prowess and engineering innovation. It was the United States' first large liquid-fueled ballistic missile, paving the way for our space program and launching the first American astronaut, Alan Shepard, into suborbital flight. Its preservation honors the brilliant minds and tireless efforts that propelled us into the space age, a source of immense national pride.
SPECIFICATIONS
Height: 69ft 4"
Diameter: 5ft 10"
Weight: 61,346 lbs
Maximum speed: Mach 5.5
Maximum altitude: 57 miles
Maximum range: 201 miles
About the Convair RIM-2 Terrier
The Convair RIM-2 Terrier represents a crucial chapter in America's defense strategy during the Cold War. As a vital surface-to-air missile, it was key in safeguarding our nation and projecting strength during global tension. Preserving the Terrier reminds us of the challenges we faced and the unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms.
SPECIFICATIONS
Length: 27ft
Missile Diameter: 13.5"
Weight: 3,000 lbs
Maximum speed: Mach 3
Maximum altitude: 80,000 ft
Maximum range: 17 miles
What Needs to Be Done?
To ensure these iconic artifacts continue to educate and inspire, we must undertake critical restoration efforts:
Redstone Missile:
Meticulous Touch-Up of Insignia Paint: Years of exposure have caused the historically significant markings and insignia to fade and chip. Skilled staff and professionals will carefully repaint these elements, restoring their original vibrancy and ensuring their accuracy for future interpretation.
Gentle Buffing: The hot, dry desert air has damaged the missile's surface. A careful buffing process will help remove oxidation and protect the underlying material.
Safe Access: Reaching the upper sections of this towering 69-foot rocket requires renting and operating large, specialized lifts, which ensures the safety of our staff and the integrity of the artifact.
Convair RIM-2 Terrier Surface-to-Air Missile:
Comprehensive Sanding and Repainting: The Terrier's paint has significantly weathered and degraded. A thorough sanding process will prepare the surface for a fresh coat of historically accurate paint, restoring its visual impact and providing crucial protection against further environmental damage.
Safe Access: Similar to the Redstone, reaching all surfaces of the Terrier for sanding and painting will necessitate appropriate lifting equipment.
Staff Time and Expertise: These delicate and complex tasks require the dedicated time and specialized skills of our museum's experienced conservation staff, volunteers, and experts. Their expertise is crucial to ensuring the restoration is carried out with the highest level of care and historical accuracy.
High-Quality Materials: Using museum-grade, durable paints (at $500 per gallon) and conservation materials is essential to ensure the longevity of the restoration and protect the artifacts from future degradation.
HOW CAN I HELP?
To accomplish these vital restoration projects, we are launching a dedicated crowdfunding campaign, "Preserving Pillars of American Strength: Restore the Redstone & Terrier." Our goal is to raise $40,000 between June 2nd and July 4th.
This campaign will directly engage patriotic citizens and history enthusiasts nationwide, offering them the opportunity to become active participants in preserving these tangible pieces of American heritage. Through compelling storytelling, striking visuals, and transparent updates on our crowdfunding page, we will demonstrate the urgent need for these restorations and the profound impact of every contribution.
Join Us in Honoring Our Past and Strengthening Our Future
The Redstone and Terrier Missiles symbolize American ingenuity, strength, and our enduring spirit of exploration and defense. By contributing to our crowdfunding campaign, you will directly invest in preserving these vital pieces of our nation's story for generations to come.
Let us join together, united by a sense of patriotism and a commitment to preserving our heritage, to ensure these pillars of American strength continue to inspire and educate for years to come.
Visit our campaign page between June 2nd and July 4th to become vital to this critical mission.
JOIN OUR CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN
Other ways to give: You can donate directly to the museum for this critical project using the button below. Click on the drop-down menu to direct your gift to the campaign.