Introduction
Since May 1976, the NASA Goddard Visitor Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, has served as a gateway to space exploration, sharing the agency’s achievements with the public. This how-to guide walks you through a self-guided journey that mirrors the center’s history—from its bicentennial-era open-air debut to today’s interactive exhibits. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a space enthusiast, you’ll learn how to navigate the highlights, understand the key artifacts, and connect with the center’s mission of inspiring the next generation. Follow these steps to experience the legacy of NASA Goddard’s outreach.
What You Need
- Planning Tools: Internet access to check the visitor center’s website for hours, special events, and COVID-19 protocols (if applicable).
- Transportation: A car or ride-share to reach the Greenbelt campus (free parking on-site).
- Time: About 2–3 hours for a thorough visit; add an hour for the monthly model rocket launch.
- Curiosity: An open mind and willingness to ask questions—staff and volunteers are knowledgeable.
- Optional: Notebook, camera (with restrictions on sensitive areas), and comfortable walking shoes.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Start with the Bicentennial Beginnings
Begin your visit by locating the commemorative plaque near the main entrance. This marks the spot where NASA Goddard Center Director Dr. John Clark gave opening remarks in May 1976. The ribbon-cutting was unique: a reenactment of Dr. Robert Goddard’s first rocket launch snapped the ribbon instead of gilded scissors. Imagine the open-air atmosphere—much of the center was initially outdoors, echoing the patriotic spirit of the American Bicentennial. Take a moment to read the plaque and reflect on the center’s early days as a converted Bureau of Standards WWV radio station (the building dates back to the 1960s).
Step 2: Explore the Core Exhibits from 1976
Move inside to the hall that houses the original exhibits. Look for the full-scale mockup of the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory (OAO), a precursor to the Hubble Space Telescope. This exhibit was a centerpiece in 1976 and still shows the pioneering technology of early space astronomy. Next, find the phone station that transmitted visitors’ voices 45,000 miles round trip via the Applications Technology Satellite-3 (ATS-3). Though not operational today, the display explains how it worked. Finally, check the meteorology station, which originally showed live satellite views of Western Hemisphere weather—a revolutionary concept at the time. These three exhibits represent the core science communication mission that launched the center.
Step 3: Visit the Iconic Delta-B Rocket
Head outside to the rocket garden. The centerpiece is the Delta-B rocket, originally displayed at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. NASA Goddard managed the highly successful Thor-Delta program in the 1960s and ’70s. Stand beside this 90-foot-tall artifact and note the small model rocket just taking flight in a 1978 photo (you’ll see it on the informational panel). This rocket symbolizes the engineering achievements that the center celebrates. If you’re visiting on the first Saturday of the month, you may witness live model rocket launches—a tradition that has been a mainstay since the early years.
Step 4: Trace the Evolution Through Aerial Views
Look for two key aerial photographs on display. The first, from 1966, shows the Bureau of Standards’ WWV radio station before NASA converted it for storage. The second aerial photo from 2010 shows the current visitor center layout, surrounded by the growing Goddard campus. Compare them to see how the facility expanded while retaining its original footprint. These images also highlight the center’s role as a physical community anchor—a place where the public can connect with NASA’s work.
Step 5: Engage with Modern Exhibits and Programs
After the historical exhibits, explore the contemporary areas. Interactive touchscreens now explain current Goddard missions like the James Webb Space Telescope and Earth science satellites. Ask volunteers about the “science on a sphere” or hands-on demonstrations. The center also hosts monthly model rocket launches (first Saturday) and special events for launches or celestial events. If you’re lucky, you might catch a talk by a NASA scientist or engineer. Don’t miss the gift shop for space-themed souvenirs.
Step 6: Understand the Visitor Center’s Role in NASA’s Charter
Before leaving, pause at the wall featuring quotes from past and current leaders. Look for remarks from NASA Goddard Center Director Cynthia Simmons: “NASA’s 1958 charter tasks us with sharing our work as broadly as we can… The visitor centers we have maintained are core to meeting that charge and fostering the next generation of space explorers.” This statement encapsulates why the center was created and why it still matters. Reflect on how the center has evolved from a small open-air space to a legacy institution that has inspired millions over 50 years.
Tips for a Great Visit
- Check the schedule: Model rocket launches typically occur the first Saturday of the month—arrive early for a good viewing spot. The center may have reduced hours on holidays.
- Ask questions: The docents are often retired NASA employees or volunteers with deep knowledge. Don’t hesitate to ask about the history or science behind the exhibits.
- Combine with other stops: The Goddard campus is a short drive from Washington, D.C. Consider pairing your visit with the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (which opened just weeks after Goddard’s visitor center in 1976).
- Photography tips: The Delta-B rocket and the OAO mockup make great photos. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the rocket’s full height. Avoid using flash near delicate exhibits.
- For families: Engage kids with the “scavenger hunt” available at the front desk—they can search for specific artifacts and earn a small souvenir.
- Plan for weather: Some exhibits are outdoors (rocket garden, model rocket launch area). Check the forecast and dress accordingly.
- Learn more online: Visit the official NASA Goddard Visitor Center website for up-to-date information. For a deeper dive into the 50-year history, search for the original 1976 press release or the center’s anniversary retrospective.