This Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity pin (numbered 6314 on the reverse) belonged to the American rocket pioneer Robert H. Goddard (1882-1945). Goddard was initiated into this fraternity on January 31, 1908 while attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts. Later a professor of physics at Clark University, Goddard launched the world's first liquid fuel rocket on March 16, 1926 and made many advances in rocket technology thereafter. From 1942-1945, he undertook developmental work for the Navy in adapting the liquid fuel rocket as Jet Assited Take-Off units for aircraft. Goddard died on August 9,1945.
In the late 1950s, Mrs. Esther Goddard sent the pin, along with some other of Dr. Goddard's personal mementos, to the National Air Museum for an exhibit put together by Paul Garber. After the end of the exhibit, Garber kept the items for safekeeping. The National Air and Space Museum formally accessioned the objects, already in present in the collection, in 1975.
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
Date
1908
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
MEMORABILIA-People
Dimensions
3-D: 1.9 × 1.1 × 0.6cm (3/4 × 7/16 × 1/4 in.)
Storage: 5.1 × 5.1 × 3.8cm (2 × 2 × 1 1/2 in.)
Materials
Copper Alloy
Enamel
Inventory Number
A19751511000
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Robert Goddard
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use.