National Atomic Testing Museum
755 E. Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, NV 89119
702-794-5151 office
www.atomictestingmuseum.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 3, 2012

CONTACT: Kathleen Frantz, 702-794-5147
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U.S. Congress declares “National” Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS, NV – With the signing of the Defense Authorization Act into law recently by President Obama, the Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas formally became the National Atomic Testing Museum. “I was pleased to include this provision in the legislation to ensure Nevada’s valuable contributions during the Cold War receive the attention it deserves.” said Senator Harry Reid. Museum Chair, Troy Wade added “The entire Museum family is grateful to Senator Reid for taking the lead in obtaining this unique designation for our museum. Without his sponsorship in the Senate, the language would likely have been removed.” Wade also thanked Congressman Joe Heck for assuring that the language passed the Conference review in the House of Representatives. “Without his direct intervention, the language would have been altered or removed by the House”, said Wade. Wade concluded that the National Atomic Testing Museum joins an exclusive group of museums in the US that have a “National” designation. The Smithsonian affiliated institution is now nationally recognized for the unique role the test site played in defending our country. The National Atomic Testing Museum is the only “National” museum in Nevada, as designated by Congress. The National Atomic Testing Museum tells the story of the nuclear weapons testing program at the Nevada Test Site and the hundreds of men and women who worked there, and those who are still working at the NV National Security Site. Due to efforts by Senator Harry Reid and Congressman Joe Heck, Congress named the Atomic Testing Museum a “National” museum, declaring it to be a national treasure, and the premiere location in the country to tell the test site history. It is one of only two nuclear museums in the United States, the other located in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

"Designation as a National Museum is a significant step forward for this unique museum” noted Allan Palmer, the museum’s Executive Director and CEO. “Joining a distinguished family of just 36 museums to have been designated as national museums of the United States, the newly minted National Atomic Testing Museum adds a luster to the already glittering city of Las Vegas’ said Palmer “that is sure to attract new American audiences and international visitors”.

About the National Atomic Testing Museum

Founded in 1998 to preserve the legacy of the Nevada Test Site, the Nevada Test Site Historical Foundation was formed to document and interpret the unique history associated with 60+ years of nuclear weapons research and testing conducted at the Nevada Test Site. The Foundation opened the new Atomic Testing Museum in 2005 to interpret that history for the public. Today the museum strives to conserve this history and place it within the context of state, national, and global importance.

In addition to the permanent displays that make up the core exhibit area of the museum, a temporary exhibit gallery features traveling exhibits and short-term themed exhibits related to science, engineering and technology. The current temporary gallery exhibit which closes on January 5, 2012, is titled “Building Atomic Vegas” and chronicles the parallel development of the city of Las Vegas and the Nevada Test Site during the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s. A new exhibit, opening on March 26, 2012, will be titled “Area 51: Myth or Reality” that explores the fact and fiction surrounding one of the most secretive areas in America.

The National Atomic Testing Museum is open 7 days a week, Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5pm and Sundays from 12 pm to 5 pm; last tickets are sold at 4:30 p.m. to allow time to tour the Museum. Admission is $14 for adults, $11 for Seniors, Military w/ ID, and Students w/ ID. Admission for museum members and children 6 and under is FREE.

The National Atomic Testing Museum is an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and a member of the American Association of Museums. The museum is located at 755 E. Flamingo Road, between Paradise and Swenson on the south side of the street. Ample free parking is available and the museum is fully ADA accessible. For more information, please call 702-794-5151 or visit us on the web at www.atomictestingmuseum.org