This weekend is your final chance to see the touring exhibit, To the Moon: Snoopy Soars with NASA, organized by the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center at the Elmhurst History Museum. This free exhibit celebrates the relationship Snoopy and NASA have shared since the start of the Apollo program.

The Elmhurst History Museum is the only Midwestern United States stop on the traveling exhibit, and includes exhibits from the Charles M. Schulz Museum in addition to special exhibits that feature local ties to the Apollo program.

Snoopy and NASA began their relationship all the way back in the 1960’s when the Apollo program was just beginning and Charles M. Schulz began creating comic strips that depicted Snoopy on the Moon. The famous beagle became an ambassador of sorts, inspiring children and adults alike as the agency worked to reach the Moon.

The Silver Snoopy Award is given by NASA astronauts to NASA employees and contractors to recognize outstanding achievements related to human flight safety or mission success.
Credit: Sophie Sanchez / Cosmic Chicago

The exhibit shares the story of the Apollo program, from its beginning to the Apollo 10 mission. Over 50 years ago, astronauts Tom Stafford and Gene Cernan flew aboard the Apollo lunar module, nicknamed Snoopy, circling the moon in a mission that served as a dress rehearsal for the Apollo 11 moon landing.

In addition to Schulz’s comic strips, NASA used Snoopy and other Peanuts characters as part of the Manned Flight Awareness safety program. Posters and plaques designed for the flight safety program, as well as the coveted Snoopy Award given for outstanding achievement are on display.

Visitors can also learn about local connections and contributions to the Apollo space program and NASA. From astronauts to engineers to flight controllers, Chicagoans and suburban residents helped shape the program and take humans to the Moon.

In 2019, with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 10 mission, NASA and Peanuts celebrated with a collaboration to renew excitement for space exploration. NASA is preparing to launch humans back to the Moon as part of the Artemis program and this collaboration introduced an updated Astronaut Snoopy along with STEM activities and curriculum for students.

To The Moon: Snoopy Soars with NASA closes this Sunday, August 29th. The Elmhurst History Museum is located at 209 North York Street, Elmhurst, IL 60126. More information on the exhibit and museum can be found at elmhursthistory.org