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Margaret Weitekamp

Dr. Margaret A. Weitekamp curates the Museum's social and cultural dimensions of spaceflight collection, more than 4,000 artifacts that include space memorabilia and space science fiction objects. These everyday mementos of the space age – which include toys and games, clothing and stamps, medals and awards, buttons and pins, as well as comics and trading cards – complete the story about spaceflight told by the Museum's collection of space hardware and technologies.

Stories from this author

Katherine Johnson receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

We’re Living in a New Era for Women in Space, On Screen and Off

Read an excerpt from the new book, "Space Craze," by Smithsonian space historian Margaret Weitekamp

Michael Collins' NASA astronaut portrait.

Remembering Michael Collins

The National Air and Space Museum looks back at the extraordinary life of pilot, astronaut, and statesman Michael Collins, who has died at the age of 90.

An R2-D2 action figure issued for The Empire Strikes Back. Credit: National Air and Space Museum.

How Star Wars Revolutionized Entertainment

Three ways Star Wars changed the entertainment business.

NASA's Project Mercury astronauts on April 9, 1959. Known as the Mercury Seven or Original Seven, they are (front row, left to right) Walter M.

Remembering Tom Wolfe and "The Right Stuff"

Tom Wolfe, the author of The Right Stuff (1979), one of the most iconic literary books about spaceflight, died this week.

Star Trek Starship Enterprise studio model used in filming the original 1960s television series. Credit: Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, NASM2016-02678

Shields up! Protecting the Enterprise From UV Rays

Arthur C. Clarke poses for a photo beneath a sign advertising the motion picture

"2001" Celebrates 50 Years