Curator for the Air Force Space and Missile Museum Honored

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Alicia Wallace
  • 45th Space Wing Public Affairs
The National Space Club has selected Emily Perry for one of the two 2012 Harry Kolcum News and Communications Award. Individuals receive this award for their ability to communicate the space story.

Ms. Perry has communicated the space story to visitors from within and beyond Brevard County so that the space story can be told to the rest of the world.

Sid Champagne, a veteran videographer who has worked for WFTV Channel 9, the ABC affiliate in Orlando, during the past 22 years, won the News portion of the award.

Ms. Perry has been serving as the director of the Air Force Space & Missile Museum at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for 18 years. During those years, her work has included overseeing the museum's reference library, curating more than 400 historical artifacts, and supervising a volunteer organization that includes more than 100 docents.

Ms. Perry's museum has introduced millions of visitors to the history of rocketry and space flight and includes the site of the first successful launch of an American satellite, Explorer I, in 1958 by the U.S. Army, according to the official Space Museum's website. The museum highlights the Air Force's role in America's space program and emphasizes the activities that make the 45th Space Wing the premier gateway to space.

Ms. Perry was very gracious to receive the award, but gave credit to the many volunteers who made her success possible.

"My volunteers truly are the life blood of the museum. Through their own historical experiences and personal stories, and sometimes very humorous anecdotes, they tell the story. They are the ones who add life to my exhibits and displays," she said. "Can you please indulge me as I share this incredible award with these folks."

Tours of the Air Force Space and Missile Museum and other historic areas, including the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse, occur every Wednesday and Thursday. For more information on how to be on a tour please follow this link http://www.patrick.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-110909-079.pdf.