History explodes in Tucson
Brian Bernadel
The Titan Missile Museum in Tucson is home to the only Titan II missile that remains in the entire world. It is one of the more notable parts of the history of the cold war and a worthwhile place to visit. “It is perhaps the ideal classroom in which to gain a fuller appreciation for the intricacies involved in defending the United States and the awesome responsibility of doing so with nuclear weapons,” Chuck Penson, the museum historian, said.
During the Cold War, the missile was active from 1962 until 1982. It became a museum in 1986.
“We are a private foundation, not a part of the government,” Bob Brickner, a part-time employee of the museum, said, “There were 18 total missiles at one time in Tucson but this is the only one left in the world.”
The museum is open daily from 8:45 a.m. until 5 p.m. and they give hour-long tours starting at 9 a.m. and continuing on an hourly basis after that. However, they are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Although the missile is an important piece of history, visitors are free to keep casual dress – with the exception of some safety hazards.
“There is no dress code,” Brickner said, “but we don’t allow women to wear high heels because the steps going down into the missile silo are perforated and they could be dangerous.”
The tour does, however, allow sandals and flip-flops and even has an elevator for patrons who can’t manage the stairs.
