The Roswell Museum and Art Center isn’t just about collections of paintings and artworks, the place also houses a reinterpretation of Dr. Robert Goddard‘s work shop. Goddard is considered the Father of Space Age. In his 12 years of stay in Roswell, New Mexico he and his crew experimented on rocket launch control, tracking, and recovery. According to the museum, seventeen of fifty-six flights accomplished in Roswell reached altitudes of over 1,000 feet.

Dr. Goddard died on August 10, 1945.
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Goddard’s rocket.

This one was built by Dr. Goddard and his crew of three in July of 1938. It flew to an altitude of 3,294 ft and dropped slowly back to the prairie by parachute.
Goddard Rocket

Flight testing in Roswell.

Between 1930 and 1942, Dr. Goddard performed 56 test flights in Roswell. Each test brought refinements and new design. The objects below are samples of Goddard’s attempt for an efficient thrust chamber.
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1928.

Here’s a liquid fuel rocket.
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1929.

First rocket-borne weather instrument.
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Learn the equations.

Wanna build your own rocket? Check this out.
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Peter Hurd collection.

Also inside the museum is an outstanding collection of Western art including Peter Hurd’s. Too bad, no photography allowed inside the galleries.
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Be inspired.

Understand the art and history of the American Southwest and beyond.
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The museum is worth a stop when visiting Roswell.

When inside the museum, don’t miss the Planetarium for lots of free astronomy programming. The Planetarium also offers free space adventure documentaries Monday through Friday from 10am and 2pm.

Roswell Museum and Art Center
Address: 100 West Eleventh Street, Roswell, NM 88201
Phone Number: +1 575-624-6744
Hours: 9AM to 5PM: Monday to Saturday; 1PM to 5PM: Sunday and Holidays. The Museum is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Admission: FREE – donations are welcome.

Where to stay.

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Find your way.

See more of my New Mexico travels.

See also: My other travel adventures.