NASA Invites Media to 65th Birthday Celebration for Iconic Logo
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CLEVELAND, July 9, 2024 ~ NASA's iconic logo, known as the "meatball," is turning 65 on Monday, July 15. To celebrate this milestone, the agency's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland will be hosting a series of activities at the Great Lakes Science Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. The event is open to the public and admission to the Science Center will be free.

The city of Cleveland holds a special connection to the NASA logo as it was designed by James Modarelli, a graduate of Cleveland Institute of Art and an employee at Lewis Research Center (now NASA Glenn). In honor of Modarelli's contribution, his family will be in attendance at the birthday celebration.

The festivities will kick off with a cake-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m., followed by remarks from center leadership and special presentations from the city and state. Attendees can also look forward to presentations on the history and symbolism of the NASA insignia at noon and 2 p.m., as well as a presentation featuring Glenn's award-winning photographers and videographers at 1 p.m.

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For younger attendees, there will be a coloring contest from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with winners announced at 2 p.m. Eva the Astronaut mascot will also make appearances for photo opportunities from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Additionally, retired NASA Glenn photographer Marv Smith will give a presentation on his experiences at 3 p.m.

The round blue, white, and red logo was officially adopted in 1959 and has become one of the most recognized symbols in the world. Its designer, James Modarelli, was an employee at Lewis Research Center (now NASA Glenn) and graduated from Cleveland Institute of Art.

Media interested in covering this event are encouraged to contact Jacqueline Minerd at [insert contact information]. For more information on other events hosted by NASA Glenn, please visit their website at https://www.nasa.gov/glenn-communityengagement/.

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