Week 2

            Hello readers! The second week of my internship saw me continuing my work on the exhibit showcasing the military career of Lieutenant Commander Salvatore Vacanti. A veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Vacanti's legacy is preserved in a collection of memorabilia generously donated by his daughter. My task is to transform these items into an engaging and informative exhibit.

I began by carefully examining the collection, hoping to uncover compelling artifacts that would capture visitors' attention. One of the earliest items I encountered was a World War II ration card. Issued to Salvatore when he was only eleven years old, the card still retains four stamps. Holding this tangible piece of history sparked a personal connection, as I am currently enrolled in a World War II history class where we recently discussed the global impact of the Great Depression.

My research also led me to explore the Navy's use of blimps during the 1950s and 1960s. Salvatore was assigned to squadron ZW-1, a unit tasked with contributing to the nation's early warning system. During the nascent stages of the Cold War, these blimps served as airborne radar platforms, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional aircraft. Notably, the endurance capabilities of the ZPG blimps surpassed those of the Super Constellation planes employed by the United States Air Force. However, this program was eventually decommissioned due to its incompatibility with a carrier-based navy.

To ensure the proper preservation of the Vacanti collection, I began cataloging each item using the PastPerfect museum software. This process involves meticulously tagging each artifact and ensuring the proper storage of delicate documents. I also created a binder with protective sleeves to safeguard significant papers, including the aforementioned ration card and a poignant poem penned by Salvatore to his mother upon joining the Navy.

Stay tuned as I continue to delve into the Vacanti collection. My goal is to create an exhibit that not only honors Lieutenant Commander Vacanti's service but also offers visitors a glimpse into a fascinating chapter of military history. I'm particularly interested in exploring the personal stories behind each artifact, weaving a narrative that resonates with visitors. I believe this exhibit has the potential to be both informative and deeply moving.





Works Cited

“Airship Early Warning Squadron 1 (ZW-1).” The Lighter-Than-Air Society. Accessed January 15, 2025. https://www.blimpinfo.com/history-2/this-mo-in-hist/this-mo-in-hist-jan/aew-squadron-zw-1/. 




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