Posts: 105 From: Columbia, Missouri USA Registered: Nov 2010
posted 06-14-2011 11:38 AM
The Kansas Cosmosphere just posted on their Facebook wall that they've got Worden and French tentatively scheduled for a book signing event on October 15th.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-14-2011 01:18 PM
The Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland, California also has a book signing scheduled for Nov. 4.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-15-2011 03:58 PM
The National Air and Space Museum has announced July 29 for two book talks and a signing with Al Worden.
jiffyq58 Member
Posts: 218 From: Durham, NC, USA Registered: Jun 2011
posted 06-16-2011 07:44 AM
Someone tell Al and Francis that they need to bring their book tour to Durham, NC. The Regulator Bookshop would be a great place for a signing!
FFrench Member
Posts: 3161 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
posted 06-16-2011 05:57 PM
Great idea, and thank you - but I'm going to encourage you and others to turn this request around.
Smithsonian Books are working hard to confirm Al's book tour - there are some great venues soon to be announced. In many cases, venues are looking to "bundle" to keep costs down - that is, to bring Al to a region of the country and do a few places in a few days, so travel costs are minimized.
So it's an ideal time to get in touch with your local bookstore, museum or other cultural institution and tell them that an Apollo astronaut who traveled to the moon is available to give a talk and book signing. I bet there are many bookstores and institutions who don't even know the book is coming out and the opportunity exists. As we know, Al even gets to England and other parts of the globe pretty frequently, not just the US. You can give them this book information and publisher contact information.
I doubt every location and venue will work out, as the publisher has to justify costs versus books sold. But there is nothing to be lost by trying, and it is grass-roots efforts like this, and clicking "like" and "share" on the book's Facebook page, that might bring an Apollo astronaut to your town to give a talk and give you an autograph for just the cost of a book. Thank you to the great support of this online community.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-28-2011 07:37 PM
Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena, Calif. has scheduled an Aug. 25 book talk and signing with Al Worden.
jamato99 Member
Posts: 147 From: Leesburg, VA USA Registered: Apr 2003
posted 07-29-2011 01:50 PM
Just got back from NASM after attending the 11 a.m. lecture and book signing by Al Worden. Not a bad turnout, though it wasn't overflowing either. I'd met Al before and it's always nice seeing him, but it was also nice meeting Francis French. It was nice seeing fellow cSers Steve Smit and Mike Black, albeit briefly.
The book itself is a good read... continued success on the book signing tour!
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 4167 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 07-29-2011 04:17 PM
Any chance of Al doing a book signing in the UK? Dave Scott, Alan Shepard, Buzz Aldrin and Joe Allen to name but four have done so.
MikeSpace unregistered
posted 07-29-2011 06:16 PM
My photos from the National Air and Space Museum.
The line was about 60 people when I got there around 1pm and was slowing down a bit when I left an hour later, but still, always a line.
JasonB Member
Posts: 1091 From: Registered: Sep 2003
posted 08-01-2011 09:48 AM
I don't suppose anyone's heard of a book signing in the Chicago or St. Louis area yet?
Michael Ritter Member
Posts: 48 From: Long Island, NY USA Registered: Dec 2007
posted 08-01-2011 03:22 PM
I contacted The Book Revue in Huntington, NY a few weeks ago asking if they had planned a book signing with Al Worden. They responded that they were trying but weren't sure if it would work as they did not know his publisher's plans at that time.
The Book Revue has hosted many author signings in the past, including Alan Shepard, Scott Carpenter and Buzz Aldrin. At least they are aware and trying.
fredtrav Member
Posts: 1673 From: Birmingham AL Registered: Aug 2010
posted 08-01-2011 03:37 PM
Any idea if somethings being arranged for Atlanta, Huntsville, or Birmingham?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-02-2011 10:47 AM
San Diego Air & Space Museum release
Meet Moon Voyager Al Worden at the San Diego Air & Space Museum
As command module pilot for the Apollo 15 mission to the moon in 1971, astronaut Al Worden flew on what is widely regarded as the greatest exploration mission that humans have ever attempted. He spent six days orbiting the moon, including three days completely alone, the most isolated human in existence. During the return from the moon to earth he also conducted the first spacewalk in deep space, becoming the first human ever to see both the entire earth and moon simply by turning his head. The Apollo 15 flight capped an already-impressive career as an astronaut, including important work on the pioneering Apollo 9 and Apollo 12 missions, as well as the perilous flight of Apollo 13.
If you would like to meet somebody who voyaged to the moon in person, and even obtain their signature, the San Diego Air & Space Museum is offering the special opportunity to meet him on Friday, August 26, 2011. Worden will give a talk relating his fascinating moon-travel experiences, and sign copies of his new book "Falling To Earth: An Apollo 15 Astronaut's Journey to the Moon."
Event Information (Open to the public): When: Friday, August 26th, 2011 Time: 1pm: 1st book signing; 2pm: talk; 3pm: 2nd book signing Where: San Diego Air & Space Museum, Balboa Park Cost: Free with Museum Admission
Note: Colonel Worden will only autograph books purchased at the Museum on the day of the event. Please no memorabilia and outside items.
Colonel Worden's visit coincides with the Museum's space-themed exhibition, SPACE: A Journey To Our Future, here in the San Diego area for a limited engagement.
FFrench Member
Posts: 3161 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
posted 08-03-2011 08:47 AM
Thanks so much to those of you who came to the National Air and Space Museum for Al's talk and the book signing. I know Al was very touched by the enormous lines for the book, and it was a great pleasure for me too to meet so many of you who I had only "met" on this site before. I thought you might all enjoy a few behind-the-scenes shots.
Prior to the signing downtown, we were given a very special tour by the curatorial staff of the Smithsonian's Garber facility, where Al was reunited with his flown space suit and helmet.
There was an enormous media turnout for Al.
While having lunch upstairs in the non-public area, we turned a corner to find - the Pierre Mion painting showing what Al saw during his deep space EVA. It was great to see the real thing.
Amongst the well-known faces at the signing was shuttle astronaut (and accomplished author) Tom Jones, who also attended one of the talks.
We're posting other images and information on the Falling To Earth Facebook page, and images are also being posted on Al's website, if those who attended had any you wanted to send in.
Thanks again, and I know Al looks forward to meeting more of you at other stops along the trail!
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-03-2011 12:37 PM
The Smithsonian is now offering copies of "Falling to Earth" signed by both Al Worden and Francis French for just the cover price of the book. These books were signed on July 28 and 29th, during the 40th anniversary of Worden's Apollo 15 mission.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-04-2011 07:37 AM
The Columbia Memorial Science Center in Downey California has announced a talk and a signing for Aug. 27 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
quote:Originally posted by FFrench: While having lunch upstairs in the non-public area, we turned a corner to find - the Pierre Mion painting showing what Al saw during his deep space EVA. It was great to see the real thing.
Al didn't look too happy in front of the painting!
FFrench Member
Posts: 3161 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
posted 08-04-2011 10:02 PM
quote:Originally posted by Fra Mauro: Al didn't look too happy in front of the painting!
Oh, it's just the lighting. Al was surprised and pleased to turn a corner and see it, and the curators later took Al's family up to see it too. A rare treat.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-07-2011 04:45 PM
As noted on the Falling to EarthFacebook page and now added to Sightings, the Barnes & Noble in Muskegon, Michigan will host a signing on August 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
rjurek349 Member
Posts: 1190 From: Northwest Indiana Registered: Jan 2002
posted 08-07-2011 08:03 PM
Al looks a little happier at this venue. Go Al! If I had known you were going to do a signing here, I would have made plans!
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-09-2011 06:30 PM
Three new signings added to Sightings, including The Museum of Flight in Seattle, the Jackson District Library in Michigan and the Tellus Science Museum in Georgia.
Shalene Member
Posts: 47 From: San Diego, California Registered: Apr 2008
posted 08-17-2011 05:06 PM
Al Worden has sent San Diego this video message ahead of his talk and signing at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.
E2M Lem Man Member
Posts: 846 From: Los Angeles CA. USA Registered: Jan 2005
posted 08-23-2011 02:19 PM
For Al Worden's visit to Columbia Center on Saturday August 27th, there will be a special display of Apollo artifacts and photo panels and memorabilia from the collections of the members of the Aerospace Legacy Foundation and the Columbia Center about Apollo 15. We will have a special film and other surprises for Al Worden!
Dave Clow Member
Posts: 236 From: South Pasadena, CA 91030 Registered: Nov 2003
posted 08-25-2011 10:55 PM
Just a note to urge anyone who has the chance to attend signing events for this outstanding book. I was lucky to be at Vroman's in Pasadena, CA this evening for a Q&A by Col. Worden and Francis French. Tom Jones was also there. There must have been 150 people attending. It was informative, spirited, and a great time.
bruce Member
Posts: 916 From: Fort Mill, SC, USA Registered: Aug 2000
posted 09-02-2011 05:53 AM
There’s a nice article regarding Al Worden’s book signing at the Columbia Memorial Space Center in Downey, California here. Check out the cool photo of Worden in front of the Apollo spacecraft boilerplate in the article!
FFrench Member
Posts: 3161 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
posted 09-03-2011 07:02 PM
A grateful thank you to everyone who came out to the three book signings that Al and I did in Southern California. I thought you all might enjoy seeing some photos from the events.
Gordon Cooper's family came to the talk and book signing in Pasadena, a real treat for us both. Also in attendance, astronaut Tom Jones, and actor Michael Raynor, who played Al in "From the Earth to the Moon."
Al giving a talk at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.
Al reunited with Apollo spacecraft checkout manager Norm Casson, and Apollo splashdown medical team member Mort Jorgensen. A number of other people from different times in Al's life - from high school friends to Apollo engineers - came to the signings.
FFrench Member
Posts: 3161 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
posted 09-03-2011 07:02 PM
Al describing his lunar flight to a standing-room-only crowd at the Columbia Memorial Space Center.
Al looks at a display at the Columbia Memorial Space Center.
An evening with Al Worden at Space Expo, Noordwijk
Only 24 people have flown to the Moon, and if you would like to meet one of them, Space Expo in Noordwijk is offering this opportunity on Wednesday, 19 October.
You are invited to a drinks reception and book signing with Colonel Al Worden, best known as the first Apollo astronaut to make a spacewalk in deep space, during the return of Apollo 15 from the Moon in 1971.
Colonel Worden will give a talk about his fascinating lunar mission experiences, and sign copies of his new book 'Falling To Earth: An Apollo 15 Astronaut's Journey to the Moon'.
posted 09-18-2011 02:25 PM
I really don't understand why book signings almost always skip the Midwest (Chicago-St. Louis) where I live. Chicago is obviously a huge market and so is St. Louis for that matter. Jim Lovell came to Springfield where I live last year and over 1,000 showed up for a book signing at 9:30 on a Thursday morning. I'd drive up to Chicago to meet Al Worden. Come on astronauts - come to my neighborhood!
Fezman92 Member
Posts: 1031 From: New Jersey, USA Registered: Mar 2010
posted 09-18-2011 03:34 PM
I've been calling every Barnes and Noble, library and museum in this area. The only replies I got was from the Barnes and Noble from Marlton NJ. They said something along the lines of "We will see but since the author is not from this area..." My local library said they will consider it.
FFrench Member
Posts: 3161 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
posted 09-18-2011 03:37 PM
Jason, your enthusiasm is great, as without people like you events don't happen. But it isn't primarily up to the astronauts - a venue has to want to host them (order the books, host and promote and talk and signing). Not everywhere does.
As someone who works in a aerospace-themed visitor venue myself, I encourage you to contact potential venues (the Adler and the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago come to mind), tell them about the book, recommend they host Al for a signing, and if they are interested to contact Smithsonian Books, the publisher. It makes a real difference when patrons make the requests, and something might happen. Al spends half the year living only a 45-minute flight from Chicago, so it should be very possible. Good luck and I hope it comes together!
FFrench Member
Posts: 3161 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
posted 09-21-2011 12:43 PM
For those of you who have asked about New-York-area signings - I note that the American Museum of Natural History had a full-page ad in the New York Times advertising a number of space-related talks (including Andy Chaikin on 25th October) and adding " Tell us what you'd like to know - send your program suggestions to us at marketing@amnh.org ."
Al, of course, gives great talks about exploring the moon from personal experience, using vivid photos. As the venue is asking what you'd like them to offer, here's an opportunity for you to suggest a talk and book signing by Al. If enough people in the region suggest it to them, it might happen.
p51 Member
Posts: 1642 From: Olympia, WA Registered: Sep 2011
posted 09-22-2011 08:35 PM
I just found out that Al is coming to the Museum of Flight in Seattle on October 8th for a talk and book signing. I'm normally not one for book signings (I have dozens of them from authors and veterans I have known over the years), but I'll do my best to get to this one! I've been looking for first-person astronaut books to read anyway so this is a great excuse to get a copy.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-29-2011 06:03 PM
quote:Originally posted by HistorianMom: The Kansas Cosmosphere just posted on their Facebook wall that they've got Worden and French tentatively scheduled for a book signing event on October 15th.
The Cosmosphere has now confirmed the appearance for Oct. 15, including:
1:30 p.m. – Russian Space History Public Presentation by Francis French, "Yuri Gagarin: The Story Behind the First Person in Space." The program is free with a paid admission to the Cosmosphere.
6:30 p.m. – Reception and photos with Worden and French for the Cosmosphere's Premium Members only. Reservations required; contact the Cosmosphere to inquire about premium membership.
7:30 p.m. – "Falling to Earth" Presentation and book signing by Worden and French for Cosmosphere Members only.
Leon Ford Member
Posts: 309 From: Shreveport, LA, United States Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-05-2011 11:34 AM
Looking forward to the event at the Cosmosphere!!! Hope to see some collectSPACE folks there!! The Cosmosphere really knows how to put on an event. It will be fun!!
Henk Boshuijer Member
Posts: 450 From: Netherlands Registered: May 2007
posted 10-05-2011 05:47 PM
Will Francis French also be present at the lecture and booksigning at Space Expo, Noordwijk, Netherlands on October 19th?
jiffyq58 Member
Posts: 218 From: Durham, NC, USA Registered: Jun 2011
posted 10-05-2011 08:49 PM
There will be an Al Worden talk and book signing at the Morehead Planetarium in Chapel Hill, NC on November 9 at 7pm. I put the word out to quite a few possible venues in this area, and the Morehead, where Al and the other MGA astronauts trained in stellar navigation back in the 60s and 70s, decided to go for it. It's not on their website yet, but it's on Al's website. And the planetarium people have told me it's a go. So colletSPACErs out there who are within driving distance, come on over to Chapel Hill on November 9. Should be a great time!
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-06-2011 05:48 PM
A message from Al Worden...
posted 06-14-2011 11:37 AM
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