How did Star Trek go from television soundstage to national treasure? This week, we continue our conversation with Glen Swanson, former NASA historian and author of Inspired Enterprise, to explore a deeper chapter in Trek’s relationship with the Smithsonian.

Through an exchange of letters between Gene Roddenberry and F.C. Durant, Assistant Director of the National Air and Space Museum, we trace the efforts to secure original Star Trek props and artifacts—including what would ultimately bring the 11-foot U.S.S. Enterprise model into the museum’s collection.

Beyond acquisition logistics, these letters reveal Durant’s belief in the inspirational power of Star Trek, how its optimistic vision of the future helped fuel real-world enthusiasm for space exploration. From ZAP pistols to starship models, this is the story of how Star Trek boldly went into the Smithsonian… and stayed.

📄 Documents and additional references: 1970–1972 correspondence between Gene Roddenberry and the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum

📘 Guest’s book: Inspired Enterprise by Glen E. Swanson

The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha

All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha

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