University of Michigan displays nuclear artifacts donated by ANS member
Mobley
American Nuclear Society member John Mobley IV recently donated some historical nuclear artifacts and memorabilia to the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences (NERS) at the University of Michigan.
Mobley is a nuclear engineering education researcher at the University of Michigan. Among his roles at ANS, he is currently the secretary of Young Members Group; the vice chair of the Education, Training and Workforce Development Division; and the vice chair of Student Sections Committee.
He said he chose to donate part of his collection to NERS because the University of Michigan is broadly committed to nuclear outreach at the local, state, and federal levels. The university is home of the first ANS Student Section, which turned 70 this year.
The display case at NERS featuring items from Mobley’s collection. (Photo: University of Michigan)
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China and an ashtray from the NS Savannah. (Photo: University of Michigan)
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A “welcome aboard” booklet from the NS Savannah signed by the ship’s captain and several officers. (Photo: University of Michigan)
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A collectible glass dish commemorating the NS Savannah’s maiden voyage to Savannah, Ga. (Photo: University of Michigan)
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A piece of wood cut from the ways used during the launch of the USS Nautilus, originally given to employees at General Dynamics Electric Boat.
.Additional items in Mobley’s collection include challenge and commemorative coins from Duane Arnold nuclear power plant, the Atomic Energy Commission, and the Energy Research and Development Administration; belt buckles from the Nine Mile Point and Three Mile Island nuclear power plants and the USS Nautilus; and Argonne West mugs for different prototype reactor series.
Speaking to the broader history these artifacts reflect, Mobley said, “The disconnect people have with nuclear today wasn’t always this stark. There were so many ways to engage with the field, from tours of plants and Atoms for Peace projects; to comic books, magazines, advertisements, and stamps highlighting new advancements; to lectures and news highlights from industry leaders. All these different points of contact with nuclear broke down barriers for the general public. Each of these little pieces of history reflect that purpose.”
He hopes that his donation plays a part in spurring interest in preserving more historical pieces for education and outreach. “Let's share our history, allowing the past to speak of its purpose and ignite discussions of the present and the promise of the future for the next generation of nuclear professionals," he said.
