Astronaut’s Family Chooses The Bishop as Home for NASA Award

August 4, 2021 – Bradenton

On Wednesday, Aug. 4, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature unveiled its newest exhibit: The NASA Ambassador of Exploration Award presented to James B. Irwin (pictured at right), who drove a lunar rover on the Moon during the Apollo 15 mission.

The NASA Ambassador of Exploration Award celebrates the realization of a vision for exploration first articulated by President John F. Kennedy in May 1961, when NASA’s fledgling human space flight program had little more than 15 minutes of experience. It was given to Mercury, Gemini and Apollo astronauts in recognition of their sacrifices and dedication. Each award includes a lunar sample, part of the 842 pounds of Moon rocks and soil returned during the six lunar expeditions that took place from 1969 to 1972.
“We are incredibly grateful and honored that the family of Col. Irwin specifically chose The Bishop to display this significant piece of history,” said Matthew D. Woodside, Chief Curator and Director of Exhibitions at The Bishop. “The 50th anniversary of the Apollo 15 mission started July 26 and lasts through August 7, so receiving it now makes it even more profound.

“This year, we’ve all been following the journey of Mars Rover Perseverance as it traverses the Red Planet and is beginning the process of collecting Martian samples. Exploring Mars today would not be possible if it weren’t for previous expeditions led by pioneers like Jim Irwin, who landed the Apollo 15 lunar module on the Moon and then traversed it with the lunar rover.”

Members of the Irwin family, who live in Bradenton/Sarasota area, chose The Bishop to display the award. “The Bishop continues to expand their vision and programs for the next generation. Our family believes that the location of the Apollo 15 Moon rock will encourage the wonder of the past adventures into space with the new horizons left to explore,” said daughter Joy Irwin Schtakleff. “As our late husband and father, Astronaut Col. James B. Irwin, would repeatedly tell the next generation as he shared his story: ‘Man’s flight through life is sustained by the power of His knowledge, so aim high.’ We hope the Moon rock display will encourage all to aim high.”