This studio model was used for filming the original Star Trek television series, which aired from 1966 to 1969. In the television show, the starship Enterprise traveled at speeds measured in multiples of the speed of light using warp drives, a propulsion concept extrapolated from supersonic flight to imagine a future with faster-than-light travel. It appeared in all 79 episodes of the original series.

Spock, as portrayed by Leonard Nimoy, is the half-human, half-Vulcan second-in-command to Captain Kirk in the original series. He is perhaps one of the most recognizable characters from the Star Trek franchise.

Spock is often known for his pointy ears and Vulcan salute and greeting ("Live Long and Prosper"). The Vulcans are a humanoid alien species who live by logic and reason, and are often devoid of any emotion.

The Museum has multiple Spock ears in its collection, from originals used in filming to a reproduction ear that was made by fan who went on to produce art and visual effects for later adaptations of Star Trek. 

This model of a Klingon D7 Battle Cruiser. It was was used in the filming of the original television series as the standard fighter spacecraft of the warlike Klingon Empire. It was donated to the Smithsonian Institution in 1973. The Klingons are a fictional species from the Star Trek universe. They serve as recurring antagonists in the original Star Trek series, but have appeared as allies in later Star Trek adaptations.

Not a major Star Trek fan? Check out these 3 fast facts about the franchise to get up to (warp) speed.

Pictured: The cast of Star Trek: The Original Series (1966-1969), often referred to in shorthand by fans as ST:TOS.

Nichelle Nichols portrayed Lieutenant Uhura in the original series. The character gained a first name, Nyota, in novelizations published in the 1980s. In the show, Uhura serves as the translator and communications officer for Captain Kirk aboard the starship Enterprise, speaking multiple alien languages. Nichols was one of the first Black women to hold a prominent role in a major television series. In addition to breaking barriers on screen, she helped NASA recruit astronaut candidates to join the Space Shuttle program. 

George Takei portrayed Lieutenant Sulu, Captain Kirk's third officer and senior helmsman, in the original series. The character gained a first name, Hikaru, in a novelization published in 1981. Takei made history as the first Asian American to play a major, non-stereotyped character on an American television show. In his work, he's embraced the Star Trek philosophy of diversity and social justice, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and sharing his experience in the Japanese-American incarceration camps during World War II.

Star Trek: The Original Series is well known for being a leader in terms of gender and racial integration—featuring a cast of men and women of different races working together. But it turns out this environment of inclusion did not always extend to queer identity. Later Star Trek adaptations have included same-sex relationships and non-binary identities.