Mysteries at the Museum Season 18 Episode 24 Dippy the Dinosaur, Golden Record and Hooverball

In this episode of Mysteries at the Museum, viewers will embark on an intriguing journey to discover the stories behind Dippy the Dinosaur, Golden Record, and Hooverball.

The first mystery explores the history of Dippy the Dinosaur, a 70-foot-long cast of a Diplodocus skeleton housed in the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh. Viewers will learn about the British excavator who discovered the original bones in Wyoming in the late 19th century, and how Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist who funded the creation of the museum, obtained and transported the skeleton to Pittsburgh. We'll also delve into the dinosaur's cultural significance, from its starring role in the animated TV show Dinosaucers to its cameo in the movie National Lampoon's Vacation.

The second mystery features the Golden Record, a time capsule containing sounds and images selected to represent Earth and humanity on NASA's Voyager 1 and 2 missions, launched in 1977. Viewers will discover how astronomer Carl Sagan and his team chose the recordings, which include greetings in 55 languages, music by Bach, Chuck Berry, and others, pictures of Earth and its inhabitants, and even brainwaves and heartbeats. We'll also explore the controversy over whether the Golden Record is a meaningful gesture of goodwill, or a waste of resources that could have been better spent elsewhere in a world plagued by poverty and conflict.

The final mystery revolves around Hooverball, a sport invented by President Herbert Hoover and his physician in the 1920s as a way to stay fit and have fun. Viewers will learn how the game, which combines elements of tennis, volleyball, and medicine ball throwing, became a popular pastime among Hoover's staff and friends, and even inspired a national championship tournament. We'll also find out how Hoover's passion for physical activity reflected his political philosophy and personal character, and whether his vision of a healthy, active nation has relevance today.

Throughout each mystery, host Don Wildman will interview experts, visit relevant locations, and examine artifacts and documents that shed light on these fascinating topics. Whether you're a fan of science, history, or sports, this episode of Mysteries at the Museum is sure to captivate and educate you.