Library Fun Finds 3.4.22

by Lauren VanDenBerg on

Library News

Frank Forester with children, Reservation Desk for Conquest of Space show, Hayden Planetarium, 1950 Frank Forester with children, Reservation Desk for Conquest of Space show, Hayden Planetarium, 1950
A. Rota/© AMNH
Welcome to Library Fun Finds! An ongoing series where we share some of the fun and unique items we come across in the library and archives collections.

Have you made your reservations for the first interplanetary rocket ship trips?

Hayden Planetarium Space Travel Tours Inter-Planetary Route Time Schedule, 1950, front.
From Central Archives, Hayden Planetarium Space Travel Tours Inter-Planetary Route Time Schedule, 1950, front.
L. VanDenBerg/© AMNH

In March 1950 the Hayden Planetarium launched a new show, “Conquest of Space!” - a thrilling new show that aimed to make visitors feel they were taking part in an interplanetary adventure. Part of that experience was ”to make a reservation for one of the first actual rocket ship passenger flights” whenever that might be.

Hayden Planetarium Conquest of Space Press Release, March 15, 1950.
From Central Archive, Hayden Planetarium Conquest of Space Press Release, March 15, 1950.
L. VanDenBerg/© AMNH

Reservations would be made at a reservation desk at the planetarium and guests would be given a welcome note to help them prepare for their eventual flight.

March 10, 1950 letter 'confirming' reservation list for interplanetary space ship flight.
From Central Archive, March 10, 1950 letter 'confirming' reservation list for interplanetary space ship flight. 
L. VanDenBerg/© AMNH

It was recommended that you see the “Conquest of Space” show at the Hayden Planetarium to prepare. Additionally, guests were given this card and schedule to show they had registered for a flight.

Hayden Planetarium Space Travel Tours Inter-Planetary Route Time Schedule, 1950, front.
From Central Archives, Hayden Planetarium Space Travel Tours Inter-Planetary Route Time Schedule, 1950, front.
L. VanDenBerg/© AMNH
Hayden Planetarium Space Travel Tours Inter-Planetary Route Time Schedule, 1950, back.
From Central Archives, Hayden Planetarium Space Travel Tours Inter-Planetary Route Time Schedule, 1950, back.
L. VanDenBerg/© AMNH

Please note: the Museum and Planetarium are not responsible for delays en route caused by meteor showers or other phenomena.

This entry was written by Lauren VanDenBerg, Shelby White & Leon Levy Project Archivist.