This 1956 Achievement Award trophy was presented to writer Willy Ley by the World Science Fiction Society at their 14th World Convention held in New York City.
Born in 1906 in Berlin, Germany, Ley emigrated to the United States in 1935, bringing with him his interest in rocketry, which he had honed as one of the first members of the the Verein für Raumschiffahrt (VfR - "Spaceflight Society") and as a consultant on Fritz Lang's film Frau en Monde (1929). As a space exploration advocate, Ley used his writing -- most notably books like Conquest of Space (1949) and Conquest of the Moon (1953) -- to promote human spaceflight.
The trophy has been a part of the National Collection since 2002.
Display Status
This object is on display in James S. McDonnell Space Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
AWARDS-Trophies
Author
Willy Ley
Dimensions
3-D: 12.7 x 35.6cm (5 x 14 in.)
Materials
Wood, metal (brass plus other)
Inventory Number
A20020471000
Credit Line
Found in collection. Donor unknown at this time. Found on NASM premises.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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