Kid Stuff, Santa Fe

The Bradbury Science Museum, Los Alamos, NM

story and photos by Kayte Deioma

The Bradbury Science Museum of the Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, CAWhether you’re pro or anti, the history of the secret community of scientists who gathered in Los Alamos New Mexico during WWII to develop the first atomic bomb can’t help but fascinate. About 35 miles up the mountain from Santa Fe, the Los Alamos National Laboratory is still on the cutting edge of scientific research. The Lab isn’t generally open to the public, but the Bradbury Science Museum in the town of Los Alamos gives an overview of the Lab’s history and its current research.

A staue of General Leslie Groves stands guard over the History Gallery at the Bradbury Science Museum, Los Alamos, CAA short video gives the history of the creation of the National Science Laboratory during WWII and another on its current research. A History Gallery provides additional documents, photos, and videos on the Manhattan Project, the scientists involved and life in the secret scientific community that went nameless until after the war.

A "Fat Man" bomb casing on display in the Defense Gallery at the Bradbury Science Museum, Los Alamos, NM.The Defense Gallery focuses on the National Security functions of the Lab and what it does to ensure the safety of existing “nuclear deterrents.” This exhibit has a “Fat Man” bomb casing identical to the one dropped on Nagasaki as well as various other missile casings. There is also an exhibit about where plutonium comes from, its risks and what measures are taken to dispose of it safely. There are a variety of interactive exhibits, including a biometric security turnstile, where you can scan an ID card (provided) and use your hand print to get through the security gate.

Nine-year-old Dusty replays a video clip of a nuclear test at the Bradbury Science Museum, Los Alamos, NM. In the Research Gallery, you can learn about the human genome, space science research, radiation, lasers and other ongoing Laboratory research. The exhibits are designed for school-age children through adults. Admission is free. Many of the exhibits are interactive.

For more information, visit the Bradbury Science Museum

While you’re in Los Alamos, you can find out more about its history at the Los Alamos Historical Museum about a block down the street. There is also a marked walking tour through the historic town center and the former residences of the head scientists from the Manhattan Project.

In July 2005, the Los Alamos National Laboratory will be hosting visits to the Trinity test site for its 50th Anniversary. For more information, email bsm@lanl.gov or call (505) 667-4444

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