Preserving History with $10,000 SRS Heritage Foundation Sponsorship
Monday, March 11th, 2024
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) recently donated $10,000 to the SRS Heritage Foundation to assist in the funding and operation of the SRS Museum in downtown Aiken, S.C. The SRS Museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the fascinating history of the Savannah River Site (SRS).
James (J.C.) Epting, Senior Vice President, National Nuclear Security Administration Tritium Operations; Walt Joseph, SRS Museum Founder; and Susie Ferrara, SRNS Manager, SRS Cold War History Preservation Program commemorate the $10,000 donation from SRNS to fund the SRS Museum and education outreach initiatives.
“We give the general public a ‘peek behind the fence,’ where science and history collide,” said Linda Lindler, SRS Museum Director. “The SRS Heritage Foundation helps to educate the public about our history, commemorate the sacrifices and achievements of employees during the Cold War era, and boost the local economy through heritage tourism.”
Since 2005, SRNS has provided over $146,000 in funding for the growth and expansion of the SRS Heritage Foundation initiatives. Permanent exhibits in the museum include a fallout shelter, a radiation exhibit, educational displays for the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory and the 6,000 Voices exhibit, which shares the stories of displaced communities during the construction of the Savannah River Plant, known today as SRS.
“Sharing the Site’s significant history to future generations is crucial,” continued Lindler. “The funding and support from SRNS will help expand educational programming for local students, support events at the SRS Museum and increase awareness through our permanent exhibits.”
As part of heritage tourism and outreach of the SRS Cold War History Preservation Program, artifacts from the SRS Curation Facility are brought from behind the gates to give the public a unique viewing opportunity.
“Preserving and sharing the history of SRS is not only an important mission, but is driven by the National Historic Preservation Act,” said Susie Ferrara, SRNS Manager, SRS Cold War History Preservation Program. “The Cold War was a time of patriotic duty for employees and an urgency to protect our nation with a nuclear deterrent. It’s an honor to share the many stories of our nuclear heritage with future generations to come.”
The SRS Museum will continue to be a primary vehicle for sharing the important role SRS continues to play in the nation’s defense, nuclear deterrence and discovery.
“We are honored to continue our partnership with the SRS Heritage Foundation,” said Dennis Carr, SRNS President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our legacy will continue to touch thousands each year with help from the SRS Museum, which is dedicated to bringing our stories of scientific and technological innovation to life.”
Click here to watch a video highlighting the history and achievements of the SRS Museum.
