Events

On July 16, 1945, a tremendous explosion in the New Mexico desert marked the beginning of the end of World War II. The world’s first atomic bomb was detonated on that day at Trinity Site, on the north end of what is now White Sands Missile Range. Museum volunteer and renowned local historian Pete Eidenbach will accompany guests on the coach, giving an in-depth talk on the bomb and its history, along with unique insight into local history. Once on site, guests enjoy a brown bag lunch, visit to the McDonald House and go on a walking tour of Trinity Site. On the way back, Pete’s debriefing is highlighted with a special showing of the movie The Land of Space and Time. Once at the museum, guests will be treated to a guided tour followed by reserved seating for an exclusive showing of Trinity: The Atomic Bomb Movie in the New Horizons Theater. Trinity Site is open to the public twice each year, on the first Saturday in April and again on the first Saturday in October. White Sands Missile Range hosts the annual events because this national historic site is on the north end of the normally highly restricted range. Special interpretation at the site is provided by Missile Range staff. All visitors must have government issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. “If you’ve never been to Trinity Site, this is the way to travel. On the coach, you’ll be able to enjoy the trip comfortably and get a fascinating talk about the bomb and Trinity Site from our guest travel guide Pete Eidenbach,” said Museum Executive Director Chris Orwoll. The roughly 140 mile round trip from Alamogordo to Trinity Site crosses through a large area of White Sands Missile Range. There are no facilities and no stopping along the route once the caravan has left Tularosa, although the museum’s motor coach does have onboard restrooms. Limited advance tickets are on sale now through the museum’s marketing department or online, and include the round trip to Trinity Site, guided tour, brownbag lunch, guided tour of the museum, and reserved seating for the New Horizons Theater showing of Trinity: The Atomic Bomb Movie. The ticket price is $70 per person, or $60 for museum members. To reserve your tickets, or for boarding time and location of boarding, or for more information call the museum.