Lafayette Science Museum Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Moon Landing
A full schedule of events is planned to commemorate the Apollo 11 mission
Lafayette, LA – This summer marks the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11, the first piloted landing
on the moon. To celebrate, Lafayette Science Museum has a full schedule of events planned
including a Documentary Date Night screening of the award-winning film Apollo 11 at 7pm on
Thursday, July 18, and Apollo-Palooza from 10 am to 6pm at LSM on Saturday, July 20
culminating with a Star Party at Picard Park from 9-10pm.
“We're excited because 2019 is a big year for us,” said LSM Director Kevin Krantz. “It not only
marks the 50th anniversary of man's first steps on the surface of the moon, but also the 50th
anniversary of our museum. We are excited to commemorate both of these momentous
occasions and invite the community to join us in the celebration with these exciting events.”
Documentary Date Night | Apollo 11
Thursday • July 18 • 7pm • LAFAYETTE SCIENCE MUSEUM
Popcorn is a must, but the date is optional for this chance to see an award-winning, critically
acclaimed film in the museum gallery. Who says date night can't be educational? Crafted from a
newly discovered trove of 65mm footage and more than 11,000 hours of uncatalogued audio
recordings and immersed in perspectives of the astronauts, the team in Mission Control, and the
millions of spectators on the ground, this film has been called a masterpiece. Join us and vividly
experience those momentous days and hours in 1969 when humankind took a giant leap into
the future. Free event, limited seating. Doors open at 6pm. Recommended for ages 18 and up.
Apollo-Palooza!
Saturday • July 20 • 10:30am-5pm • LAFAYETTE SCIENCE MUSEUM
In addition to our regular schedule of planetarium programs, we’ll have special presentations
about Apollo and the moon, a “realtime” replay of the Apollo 11 landing, giveaways of a model
Lunar Module and model Command & Service Module that were 3D printed at the Museum and
the Apollo mini-exhibit “Race to the Moon.” All events included with regular museum admission.
Realtime Apollo Landing • 10:30am, 2:50pm, 3:35pm • Auditorium
Hear a 15-minute replay of the Apollo 11 descent to landing, with information that tells who is
speaking and how the Lunar Module "Eagle" is aimed, all synchronized to actual video looking
out the lander's windows. The 2:50pm session will be timed so that as "Eagle" touches down, it
will be 50 years to the minute since the real thing happened!
Planetarium Programs • 11:15am, 1:30pm, 2:45pm, 4pm • Planetarium
See calendar for programs and descriptions. Visit www.lafayettesciencemuseum.org.
World of the Moon • 1pm • Auditorium
Discover what the moon is like and how Apollo astronauts got there! Best for ages 6 and up.
Apollo 3D-printed Model Giveaway • 4:45pm • Auditorium
Two lucky Museum visitors will win models of a Lunar Module or a Command Module that were
3D printed right here at the Museum. Sign up to be eligible any time during your visit on the
Museum on this date. Need not be present to win.
Apollo-Palooza! Star Party
Saturday • July 20 • 9pm-10pm • PICARD PARK
If it’s a clear evening, we’ll set up telescopes near the parking lot at Picard Park for public
observing of Jupiter, Saturn, and more! Because of possible mosquitoes, wearing long pants,
long sleeves, socks, and closed-toe shoes is highly recommended. Don’t forget your bug spray!
Free event, all ages welcome.
Lafayette Science Museum is a regional science museum serving families, schools and visitors.
By applying the latest technology to interactive experiences and immersive education, LSM
promotes interest and inspires careers in science, technology, engineering and math. The
museum is open six days a week, Tuesday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, and Sunday
1pm-6pm. For more information, visit www.lafayettesciencemuseum.org.