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Oak Ridge’s Atomic Legacy on Display at the American Museum of Science and Energy

September 9, 2025

CWP

The sixth stop on our “Road Trip Through the Atomic Age,” featured in the 2025 Cold War Patriots calendar, brought Cold War Patriots members and guests to the American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This insightful tour showcased how the once-secret city of Oak Ridge played a pivotal role in the Manhattan Project as one of its three original sites. Our members explored exhibits highlighting the Y-12 National Security Complex and its uranium enrichment plants, K-25 and Y-12, as well as the X-10 site, now known as Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Cold War Patriots members, especially those who used to work at Y-12, K-25 or X-10/ORNL, gained a deeper understanding of the city’s foundational contributions to nuclear science and national security.

Beyond its wartime legacy, the museum offered a compelling look at Oak Ridge’s continued influence in scientific advancement. Exhibits explored the city’s role in developing nuclear energy, cutting-edge technology, and applied sciences, painting a vivid picture of its ongoing impact. This stop was a meaningful reminder of how Oak Ridge’s past continues to shape the future of innovation and discovery.

Below are photos of Cold War Patriots members enjoying the exhibits.

photo of movie playing with words "Oak Ridge National Laboratory" on the screen — Cold War Patriots members watching a short film on the nuclear history of Oak Ridge, Tennessee at the AMSE.

Museum patrons looking at photos on a wall — Cold War Patriots members discovering the Secret City Revealed exhibit at the AMSE.

man reading a placard at a museum — A Cold War Patriots member reads a gallery exhibit at the AMSE.

sign that reads "Information Bulletin for Oak Ridge Residents" — An information bulletin for residents of the Oak Ridge community at the AMSE.

An information bulletin for residents of the Oak Ridge community at the AMSE.To learn more about upcoming 2025 Cold War Patriots calendar tours and to RSVP for one near you, visit 2025 Calendar Events – Cold War Patriots.