Irene Whillhite

Irene Willhite joined the staff of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center (USSRC) in 1996 as Archivist, and in 2002 she became Archivist/Curator. After the Willhite children began their careers, Irene enrolled in the Liberal Arts program at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) in 1983, graduating in 1989 after completing undergraduate studies (double-major) in History and Political Science, and a graduate degree in Public Policy. As a resident of Huntsville since 1957, Irene has experienced many of the developments in the nation’s space program. Her personal interests in the space program are focused on its history and the preservation of historical documents and hardware. The USSRC property was deeded to the state under the urging of Dr.Wernher von Braun and General John Zeirdt. This relationship has benefited studies of the civilian and military space programs. Curatorial staff has an outstanding relationship with contractors and civil service personnel. The MSFC staff supports the USSRC staff in the restoration processes on engines and other components that make up exhibit components. The von Braun collection is cataloged and boxed—covering 106 linear feet.