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This Apollo 16 launch viewing paper hat sponsored by RCA was owned by John Bickers, a Public Affairs representative for the McDonnell Company (later McDonnell Douglas), an aerospace company that held contracts with NASA throughout Project Mercury, the Gemini program, the Apollo program, and the Space Shuttle program. The slits in the middle form the domed cap behind the flat bill when the ends are bent around and fastened.
In addition to performing a useful practical function at a launch in sunny Florida, the flat paper hat, a promotional item for RCA, also became a piece of memorabilia of the event. Owning or wearing this paper hat would demonstrate one's connection to the program and one's presence at the launch. As a result, this hat reminds us of the numerous people who supported and witnessed human spaceflight.
During his tenure with McDonnell, Bickers compiled and edited Press Reference Books for the Gemini Space Missions and supported early Space Shuttle flights.
He donated the hat to the Museum in 2007.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
MEMORABILIA-Events
Sponsor
RCA Dimensions
3-D: 33.3 × 28.1 × 0.2cm (13 1/8 × 11 1/16 × 1/16 in.)
Storage: 43.2 × 36.8 × 3.8cm (17 × 14 1/2 × 1 1/2 in.) Materials
Paper
Ink Inventory Number
A20080036000
Credit Line
Gift of John Bickers
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.
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