Nevada was instrumental in the US development of the nuclear bomb with the creation of the Nevada Proving Grounds—later known as the Nevada Test Site and, today, the Nevada National Security Site — on 11 January 1951 to test the country's nuclear devices. (For more information on this location, please check out this previous article.) The National Atomic Testing Museum is a national history and science institution that tells the incredible story of Nevada's contribution to America's nuclear weapons testing program. With collection-based exhibits, videos, and learning activities, visitors are privy to this incredible piece of state history in this remarkable Nevada museum.
The National Atomic Testing Museum is located at 755 E. Flamingo Road. This 8,000-square-foot museum attracts people of all ages, walks of life, and locations.
Through a variety of exhibits, movies, and artifacts, visitors can learn about the US's incredible nuclear history and the significant role Nevada has played and continues to play over the past 70 years.
The timeline detailing how the U.S.'s nuclear program progressed from the 1940s through present day is quite interesting.
The artifacts are truly intriguing like this large collection of various Geiger counters and dosimeters. Dosimeters measure exposure to ionizing radiation which, obviously, was common during this era.
This collection of atomic-age pop culture is particularly intriguing.
Some exhibits detail what life was like living back during the height of nuclear testing.
Each exhibit contains so much valuable information.
Many artifacts populate this incredible museum including a nuclear reactor, personal attack weapons, and pieces of the Berlin Wall and World Trade Center.
Where else can you see the various nuclear devices created throughout history?
For example, the B53 thermonuclear device, developed during the Cold War, had a yield of nine megatons, making it the most dangerous weapon in the US's arsenal following the retirement of the B41 bombs in 1976.
There's also an Area 51: Myth or Reality exhibit that is included with admission. It's interesting albeit a tad hokey.
The museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For more information, please call (702) 794-5151. If you plan to go, reserve at least a couple of hours to take in everything. There are several movies, an incredible simulation of an above-ground nuclear test, and many exhibits with quite a bit of reading. Personally, I've been here several times, and each time I discover something new. If you are a history buff, or are simply looking for a nice distraction from "typical" Las Vegas activities, this is a great place to visit.
Have you been to this remarkable Nevada museum? Please share your thoughts and experiences below.
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