Studio model of the Starship Enterprise, on view in the “Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall” at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. (Eric Long/National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution)
With Star Trek Beyond at the box office and the hotly anticipated new series Star Trek: Discovery on the horizon, Trekkies have reason to rejoice—and it’s particularly good timing. September 8th is the 50th anniversary of Gene Roddenberry’s beloved sci-fi classic, and the Smithsonian has programmed three days of festivities to celebrate the momentous occasion.
Attendees at all events are encouraged to cosplay.
Thursday, September 8 at 8 p.m., join the museum for Celebrating “The Man Trap”. The National Air and Space Museum and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center will simulcast the first ever Trek episode at 8 p.m.—the show’s original timeslot. The screening will include an introduction and post-show Q&A from a panel featuring Roddenberry’s son Rod.
Friday, September 9 at 8 p.m., attend the Boldly Go 50 Celebration for a double feature of The Smithsonian Channel’s new documentary Building Star Trek, followed by director Adam Nimoy’s touching profile of his father, For The Love of Spock.
Saturday, September 10 at 8 p.m. attend Museum Moonshine: Star Trek in Our Lives, a a 21-and-up event at the museum’s Mall location, with adult beverages (Romulan Ale, mayhaps?) and a botanical garden inspired by the series from the North American Orchid Conservation Center. The low-key affair seems designed to foster conversation with fellow Trekkies in a more intimate setting. Selfie stations will be set up to let the internet know what you look like in a Trekkian oasis, and you get the chance to schmooze with museum experts and other special guests.
Perhaps most importantly, the 11-foot, 200-pound model of the Enterprise from the original series has been restored and will be on display throughout the whole weekend. Forget about the selfie-op; just imagine standing next to an artifact imbued with such cultural power.
Between J.J. Abrams’ relentless obsession with rebranding Star Trek along the lines of Star Wars, and the 11-year drought of new Trek on TV, the pop landscape has felt a little light on boldly going anywhere hopeful. At the half century mark, we may need the majesty of Roddenberry’s original creation more than ever, its boundless optimism something sorely lacking in the current political climate.
The Smithsonian’s three day affair is the perfect opportunity for lapsed fans to reacquaint themselves with the show that inspired them to make the Vulcan salute in the first place, while providing a space for younger fans and newbies to catch up on everything they’ve missed. Anniversaries are all about looking to the past, but in this case, there’s still a bright future ahead.
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Celebrating “The Man Trap” is Thursday, September 8 at 8 p.m. at the National Air and Space Museum on the Mall and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly. Free tickets are required and may be reserved here.
Boldly Go 50 Celebration, is Friday, September 9 at 8 p.m. at the National Air And Space Museum. Tickets are required and are available here.
Museum Moonshine: Star Trek in Our Lives is Saturday, September 10 at 8 p.m. at the National Air and Space Museum. Tickets are $35 ($30 for members) and include light refreshments and alcoholic beverage samples. Purchase tickets here.
