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View of the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center tower at sunset

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Bells, Gemini 6

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  • Gemini 6 Jingle Bells
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These bells are part of the harmonica and bell set carried by astronauts Walter "Wally" Schirra and Tom Stafford aboard Gemini 6 in December of 1965. The mission was to test the docking and maneuvering capability of the Gemini spacecraft.

Approximately five hours after the successful maneuvering of the the two spacecraft to within six inches of each other, astronauts Schirra and Stafford played "Jingle Bells" with these instruments and pretended to see a UFO called Santa Claus.

Astronaut Tom Stafford gave the bells and his harmonica to the National Collection in 1967.

Display Status

This object is on display in Destination Moon at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

Destination Moon

Object Details

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Personal Items

Astronaut

Thomas P. Stafford
Walter M. Schirra, Jr.

Dimensions

3-D: 8 × 8.5 × 1cm (3 1/8 × 3 3/8 × 3/8 in.)

Materials

Steel
Nickel Plating
Nylon
Velcro

Inventory Number

A19670148001

Credit Line

Donated by Thomas P. Stafford

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use.

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    Tom Stafford’s Jingle Bells and Wally Schirra’s Harmonica

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    National Air and Space Museum

    6th St. and Independence Ave SW
    Washington, DC 20560

    202-633-2214

    Open daily
    10:00 am - 5:30 pm
    Free Timed-Entry Passes
    Required

    Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

    14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway
    Chantilly, VA 20151

    703-572-4118

    Open daily
    10:00 am - 5:30 pm
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