Via SFScope friend Andrew Porter, we learn that G. Patrick Molloy answers the question “What’s that thing on Werhner von Braun’s desk (for the full-size image, click here).
He writes, “Yes, it’s a Hugo,” and offers this background: “Back in 2004, Noreascon 4 exercised their option to award Retro Hugos for the year 1953, since Hugos had not previously been awarded for that year. The winner for Best Related Book was Conquest of the Moon by Werhner von Braun, Fred Whipple, and Willy Ley. Unable to contact any descendants, I was asked to accept the award due to my connection with NASA. It was then left to me to find an appropriate home for it. As much as Naomi and I enjoyed having it in our living room after the convention, we set decided to contact the US Space & Rocket Center here in Huntsville, to see if they would be interested in accepting it, since they are the location of the von Braun archive. They were receptive to the idea, and in fact were at the time preparing a special exhibit on the influence of science fiction on early rocket pioneers. The Hugo made a great centerpiece to the exhibit, and even got some local press coverage.
“After the exhibit had run its course, the Hugo disappeared, only to show up in a small display they had of articles from von Braun’s office. That exhibit then closed as they went through some major remodeling and expansion of the museum.
“Fast forward to late 2011. In anticipation of the 100th anniversary of von Braun’s birth, the museum opened an extensive exhibit on his life, both professionally and personally, including his work before, during and after his time with NASA. I finally got a chance to visit the exhibit last weekend, and much to my delight, the Hugo is once again displayed in the recreation of his office. Of course, it’s a bit out of place, since he obviously never received the award when he was alive, but it’s pretty cool to see it displayed there amongst all the artifacts of his life. Retro-Hugo indeed! It’s also satisfying to know I had a role in finding the Hugo a permanent home, and that the museum is continuing to display it, instead of storing it away, never to be seen again. Unfortunately, there is nothing explaining what the Hugo is or what it is for, and it’s too far back from the glass to be able to read it without a zoom lens or binoculars, but that’s okay.”
The exhibit, titled “100 Years of Von Braun: His American Journey,” is open through May. The USSRC calls it “an awe-inspiring exhibit showcasing the life of Dr. Wernher von Braun, in honor of his 100th birthday on March 23rd, 2012.
“To commemorate his lifetime of achievements, it is our privilege to give you the opportunity to take a walk in Dr. von Braun’s footsteps.
“This exhibition covers Dr. von Braun’s American experience, beginning with his surrender to US forces and continuing on through his passing in 1977. Learn about his many technical achievements, not only with NASA, but with the Army and private industry as well. Explore his vision through artifacts, models of various spacecraft (both real and conceptual), breathtaking photographs and artwork, and multimedia displays featuring his speeches, interviews with him, and about him.
“In addition to covering the history of Dr. von Braun’s time in the US, the exhibit also features a unique look at some of the more personal aspects of his life, including his hobbies, his family, his celebrity status, and his daring visions of the future.”
For more information on the USSRC and the exhibit, see this page.