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National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

NTHP Interviews AHF on “Manhattan”

Trinity test shot 20 seconds

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which worked with the Atomic Heritage Foundation and other partners to establish the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, has continued to highlight Manhattan Project history. In light of season 2 of “Manhattan” coming to an end, the Trust asked AHF staff to respond to a few questions about the show: “Trinity Test, Gadget, Spies: What’s True in Season 2 of Manhattan?”

AHF Program Director Alexandra Levy and Program Manager Nathaniel Weisenberg reflect on the show’s historical accuracy, how ‘”Manhattan” has boosted public interest in the Manhattan Project, and how Los Alamos is portrayed. The second season focused on the Trinity test, which took place in July 1945 in the desolate Jornada del Muerto desert. Levy and Weisenberg explain how the show captured the scientists’ tension leading up to the test and the fear that it would fail, while ramping up the drama by adding spies into the mix. “Manhattan” does a good job featuring New Mexico’s iconic scenery. They also discuss what topics and themes they would like to see explored if the show is renewed for a third season.