Event 2: Influence of the Atomic Age on Popular Culture- National Museum of Nuclear Science and History

While visiting my hometown of Santa Fe, I was able to stop by the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Museum provides an excellent historical background on the atomic era, going all the way back to the discovery of radiation given off by uranium in the 1800’s.

Outside of the Nuclear Science and History Museum, proudly displaying
an atomic structure on the left

 

The exhibit that I found of particular interest was one discussing the huge impact the atomic age has had in popular culture. The atomic age influenced almost everything in popular culture, from books to television, games to toys, and even appliances to food! Overall the work that was emerging from popular culture during the atomic age shows both the fear and anxiety experienced at the time and the joy of atomic discovery serving as a solution to all of America’s problems. Interestingly enough, towns that were used or the mining of Uranium were called "Yellowcake Towns". They gained instant publicity during that atomic age and even had streets of building named like Atomic Blvd. and Uranium Theatre. Having grown up in Los Alamos, New Mexico (the birthplace of the atomic bomb), I can attest that there is a restaurant in Santa Fe called the Atomic Grill that serves "Uranium" burgers. The populations of these towns quickly doubled or even tripled. Some  of these towns even held Miss Uranium pageants!

An example of a "Miss Uranium"
can be seen here, wearing a
mushroom could.

A family game that emerged from the atomic age!
<http://imgfave.com/collection/62255/funnies>

This cartoon book entitled Barefoot Gen was written by
Keiji Nakazawa and is semi autobiographical about his and his family's
survival of the Hiroshima bombings. 

Also, did you know that The Jetsons was created to show the hypothetical development of a futuristic atomic- run city?

I find that my experience at the museum was extremely significant because it showed me that though there may seem to be a disconnect between art and science, the two are related at least by how pop culture is affected in response to scientific discovery.

I would recommend this museum to anyone visiting New Mexico. It serves as an excellent opportunity to learn about atomic history highlighting the role New Mexico played in the creation of the atomic bomb. Additionally, the museum discusses the science behind nuclear technology in a simple, comprehensive manner, and displays how nuclear technology is being used today as an alternative source of energy.