Globe of the Moon
Artifact IDMO 63.1911a-b
Object Type
Globe
Date
1962
Gifter
Charles N. Granville
Medium
Plastic
DimensionsOverall H 36 in x Diam 16 in (91.4 cm x 40.6 cm)
Physical DescriptionGold painted plastic globe of the moon, which rests on detachable spiral metal stand to allow for repositioning. One side of globe identifies over 2500 craters and mountains on the lunar surface in relief. Major regions are labeled in raised capital letters. The other section of the globe is blank.
Historical NoteThis globe of the moon was designed and sculpted by Gifford MacGregor Proctor, who patented it in August 1962 under the name "Three Dimensional Topographical Globe of the Moon." Manufactured by Wilton Products Inc. in Connecticut, it was the first accurate globe to show the lunar mountains and craters visible from Earth. The far side of the moon was not portrayed on the globe, as it had yet to be thoroughly photographed or studied. Not until the Apollo 8 mission in December 1968 did American astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and Bill Anders orbit the "dark side" of the moon, although the first, indistinct photos of the moon's far side were taken by the Soviet unmanned space craft Luna 3 in 1959.
At the time the globe was made, America's fascination with space exploration was at a peak. Alan Shepard had become the first U.S. astronaut launched into space in May 1961, followed by John Glenn's historic orbiting of the Earth in February the following year. President John F. Kennedy, who's challenge to land an American on the moon before 1970 had fast-tracked the U.S. space program, was sent this moon globe in 1962.
Additional DetailsAt the time the globe was made, America's fascination with space exploration was at a peak. Alan Shepard had become the first U.S. astronaut launched into space in May 1961, followed by John Glenn's historic orbiting of the Earth in February the following year. President John F. Kennedy, who's challenge to land an American on the moon before 1970 had fast-tracked the U.S. space program, was sent this moon globe in 1962.
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift from a member of the general public to the President and Mrs. Kennedy received by the Executive Office of the President betwen 1961-1963 and held by the General Service Administration until it was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Public (National Archives Identifier 1676966)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view