This key to the city of Windsor, Missouri was presented to Dr. Charles Stark Draper, the town's "most illustrious son" in recognition for his contributions to science by the Jaycees, Lions, and Chamber of Commerce of Windsor, Missouri on April 6, 1970. Dr. Draper was born in Windsor in 1901 and went on to establish and direct the Instrumentation Laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he also taught engineering. While at the laboratory, he developed numerous guidance, navigation, and control systems for naval vessels, aircraft, rockets, missiles, and spacecraft. Because of his work, he was called the "father of inertial guidance."
A collection of Dr. Draper's awards, medals, and other recognitions, including this ceremonial key, was given to the National Collection in 1974.
This object is on display in James S. McDonnell Space Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.