USS Enterprise Restoration Project Needs Some Help

Back in the 1960s, when the Star Trek series originally debuted, producers did not have access to the technology that we’re used to today. Consequently, they had to rely on props for their ships and weapons, and the most important prop of them all is the 11-foot Starship Enterprise, which was donated in 1974 by Paramount Studios to the Smithsonian Institution. Not too long ago, the museum pulled the ship off exhibit, which caused William Shatner to ask a very pertinent question via Twitter: “Did you break my ship?”

Well, it looks like the prop is indeed in bad shape, which is why the museum is trying to restore it to its original appearance. In order to do this, experts need original film and images of the ship, which they are now asking from fans or studio staffers. The pictures and films should depict the prop while it was under construction, during filming or on display. If everything goes according to plan, the Enterprise is scheduled to return to its display case in 2016 as part of the museum’s Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall.

Since it was put together for the first time in 1964, the prop has been modified no less than eight times. Those who have relevant images or video of the USS Enterprise before 1976 should definitely contact StarshipEnterprise@si.edu and request information about where to submit the material.

Thank you Smithsonian for providing us with this information.