‘THE BORMAN COLLECTION’ EXHIBIT BRINGS UNIQUE SPACEFLIGHT, AVIATION HISTORY TO EAA MUSEUM
Personal artifacts from Gemini/Apollo astronaut is historic addition to EAA collection
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (December 7, 2018) — The EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh has opened “The Borman Collection: An EAA Member’s Space Odyssey,” an exhibit that features the personal archives and memorabilia of astronaut Frank Borman, who was on the leading edge of America’s space program through the 1960s. The new exhibit was formally opened with a ribbon cutting by Borman on Friday, December 7.
EAA received the collection last spring when Borman donated it to the association, of which he is a lifetime member. The personal archives contain hundreds of artifacts, including items carried aboard space capsules, awards received for his accomplishments, and correspondence with world leaders, celebrities, and other notable figures. “The Borman Collection” also highlights Borman’s aviation career, which included U.S. Air Force service prior to NASA.
“This is one of most noteworthy donations ever received by the EAA museum,” said Bob Campbell, EAA museum director. “We are honored that Col. Borman chose EAA to permanently display his personal artifacts from his aviation and space experiences. This is a part of unmatched American history that people will now be able to enjoy in perpetuity here at EAA.”
Borman is best known as the commander of the famed Apollo 8 mission, which in December 1968 was the first manned spacecraft to orbit the moon. The three astronauts aboard – Borman, Jim Lovell, and William Anders – made hundreds of observations and notations during the moon orbits that became the foundation for the Apollo moon landings that followed. The memorable flight was noted for unforgettable moments such as the famed “Earthrise” photo and the crew reading from the Book of Genesis while orbiting the moon on Christmas Eve.
Borman, who in 1962 was a member of the second group of astronauts selected by NASA, was previously joined by Lovell on the Gemini 7 mission in 1965. At that time, the mission set a space endurance record of more than 330 hours.
“I have a long relationship with EAA and have the greatest respect for what they do,” said Borman, an EAA lifetime member, when asked why he chose to donate his collection to the museum in Oshkosh. “I believe they are responsible for preserving general aviation and our ability to fly. It means so much to me for this collection to be here and that others will enjoy it.”
“The Borman Collection” is located on the museum’s main floor, near the iconic Wright Flyer replica. It is accessible to all museum visitors as part of regular admission.
About EAA Aviation Museum
The EAA Aviation Museum is located just off Interstate 41 at the Highway 44 exit in Oshkosh. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EAA members receive free museum admission year-round. For more information, call the EAA Aviation Museum at (920) 426-6108 or visit www.eaa.org/museum.
