Posts: 808
From: Marietta GA USA
Registered: Dec 1999

posted 10-27-2017 03:44 PM               

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After reading about the upcoming 2018 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame induction ceremony, I starting thinking about the inaugural induction ceremony in 1990. The inductees were the Mercury Seven astronauts. I was wondering if any of the current members of this forum were in attendance. I was there and I know Ken Havekotte was also there. Anyone else?

I briefly searched online for photos of the event but came up dry. I took a fair amount of images which are, apparently, rare.

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From: Marietta GA USA
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Posts: 2169
From: McKinney TX (USA)
Registered: Aug 2005

posted 10-31-2017 08:13 AM               

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But, how much has changed in 27 years! Back then, it is not likely that most people outside the Brevard County area even knew the event was occurring. Instant news at your fingertips was way off in the future at that point.

The only reason I even knew that collecting space memorabilia was a thing was when I saw an ad from Adam Harwood (thank goodness I had the good sense to buy my Apollo 11 insurance cover back then) and, through him, I got hooked up with Donnis Willis and bought a few items. I saw an ad for Regency Superior Auctions and participated in their Spring 1993 auction, and from then on I was on board.

Before then, I have no idea how I would have known about events like the Hall of Fame induction other than through a lucky coincidence.

Posts: 2912
From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard
Registered: Mar 2001

posted 10-31-2017 09:48 AM               

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The 1990 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame (AHOF) induction ceremony for the original Mercury astronauts was well publicized, at that time, as there were invited guests and visitors nationwide that attended.

During that first induction in March 1990, though, there were only a hand full of promotional companies and sponsors involved, unlike what there is today!

The AHOF started out as a joint project of the non-profit Mercury Seven Foundation and U.S. Stamp Camp Foundation of the 37,000 square foot facility in Titusville,
FL.

But for the later Gemini (1993), Apollo (1997), and Shuttle astronaut inductions, naturally, there was more interest and resources available providing increased promotional advertising and corporate sponsorships.

For those cSers not aware, our own Joel Katzowitz, working with Design South, Inc. of Atlanta, GA, was responsible for the design concept and fabrication of all exhibits for the AHOF, as well as coordinating placement and installation of astronaut-loaned memorabilia.

Posts: 2169
From: McKinney TX (USA)
Registered: Aug 2005

posted 10-31-2017 08:04 PM               

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Ken, I am sure you are right regarding publicizing the 1990 Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction. The point is, such publicizing back then pales in comparison to that which can be done now.

I am quite certain that many people who would have been interested had no idea the event was going on.

Posts: 808
From: Marietta GA USA
Registered: Dec 1999

posted 11-01-2017 04:31 PM               

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The Mercury induction ceremony was a relatively small affair but I couldn't even guess at the number of people in attendance. There were astronauts from other groups, family, friends as well as press at the event. I had a blast.

The Gemini induction ceremony was certainly larger. I'm sure Ken has more information regarding these early inductions.