posted 11-12-2005 09:00 PM               

I would also like to thank everyone who came to the standing-room-only lecture and signing held at the Freeman Memorial Library and to the book signing at Rocket Town later in the day. Between Jim's great sense of humor, his unique insight into Neil Armstrong's life and his generosity answering any and all questions asked of him, today's events will be fondly recalled.

The day began at 1:00 p.m. at the Freeman Library, where librarian Karen Akkerman, her staff and the Friends of Freeman so kindly played host to 65-70 guests listening to Hansen describe the life of the "first man" and his experiences writing the biography. Jim spoke of the relationship between Neil and his parents and siblings, citing excerpts from his interviews; of his own eagerness to set the facts straight about Neil's life (and where it had gone astray); why he felt Neil agreed to a biography now and why he didn't write an autobiography; and his own feelings about Neil's view of future lunar and Martian missions.

Jim also screened a rare copy of the game show "I've Got A Secret" (as described in "First Man") that featured Viola and Stephen Armstrong - Neil's parents - and that originally aired in 1962.

Attending the library event were quite a few familiar faces and collectSPACE readers, including Kathy P., Karen M., Bill A., Roger W., and astronaut Don Thomas and Rich Clifford (who jokingly corrected Jim's declaration during his lecture that the Group 2 astronauts were considered by many to be the best; clearly their class, Group 13 - the "Hairballs" - take that title).

At Rocket Town, Jim met with the parents and flight instructor of the Auburn student who transcribed hours of interviews for "First Man" as well as archivist for JSC's history collection.

Personally, after almost a year of trading e-mails, it was a great pleasure to finally meet Jim and Peggy Hansen. Our dinner together and time spent discussing space history, collecting, Armstrong and other topics was as engaging as it was informative. When his tour wraps and he has more time to be online, we have spoken about joining us online here to answer your questions.