News

ECORP Archaeologist leads effort to list Tranquility Base

ECORP's Cultural Resources Manager for Northern California, Lisa Westwood, led the effort to formally recognize the Objects Associated with Tranquility Base through listing on the California Register of Historical Resources. This resource consists of approximately 106 objects, composed of the lunar descent module, American flag, equipment, tools, and other objects left behind by Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on July 20, 1969. Amoung the objects identified as part of this historical archaeological site are:

Commemorative Plaque attached to the Lunar Module Descent Leg. "Here men from the planet Earth first set foot upon the Moon. July 1969, A.D. We came in peace for all mankind." The plaque is signed by the Apollo 11 crew and President Richard M. Nixon. (1)

 

This resource represents the first presence of humans on another celestial body and is one of the most significant technological advancements in human history. Without the research and development that occurred in California, and specific equipment manufactured here, the Apollo 11 mission would not have occurred.

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On January 29, 2010, Westwood presented the nomination to the California State Historical Resources Commission, which voted unanimously to place the first cultural resource not located on Earth on a registry. She and her colleagues - Dr. Beth O'Leary from New Mexico State University, John Versluis of the Texas Heritage Museum, and Ralph Gibson of Placer County Museums - are next seeking a National Historic Landmark designation for this important archaeological site. The ultimate goal will be to place the site on the World Heritage List, which is maintained by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Westwood will travel to Washington DC in March 2010 to present the plans at the Annual Meeting of the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers and will be working with State Historic Preservation Officers across the country on a joint nomination of this important historical resource.