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Transcript of a speech given by Wernher von Braun to the Alabama Legislature.

Von Braun, then the director of Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, delivered this speech to the legislature in 1961. In the speech, he emphasizes that Alabama must take advantage of its position in the aerospace industry and create a robust "academic and research environment" in Huntsville to attract businesses that "will give birth to major new industries throughout the state." He exhorts the legislature to fund the newly established University of Alabama Research Institute (now part of the University of Alabama in Huntsville), arguing that "the Institute will not only be self-sustaining, but will enrich the State both financially and culturally." The legislature later approved von Braun's request of $3 million for the Research Institute, enabling the purchase of 200 acres of land for the campus and the construction of the Institute in 1964. The speech includes copies of slides von Braun used during his presentation, including diagrams of Saturn and Nova rockets as well as a mockup of a Saturn rocket on the lawn of the state capitol in Montgomery.

U.S. Army Ordnance Missile Command Armed Forces Day 1961 After-Action Report.

The report outlines highlights of the Armed Forces Day, including attendance, media, and the parade lineup. The theme of the day was "Power for Peace." The report includes news clippings, a Redstone Arsenal welcome brochure, and photographs of the festivities in downtown Huntsville and at Redstone Arsenal.

"Aerospace Welding Standards for the Minutes of the Meeting of American Ordnance Association."

"Memorandum for the Associate Administrator: Artificial Gravity Considerations for Project Apollo."

This memorandum contains artificial gravity considerations for Project Apollo and was directed to Seamans, Wernher von Braun, Donlon, and Gilruth. Silverstein writes that he believes it is too early to tell if the Apollo spacecraft is capable of providing artificial gravity.