Purdue centennial year silk flag, 1969

This series contains artifacts divided into six categories: artwork, awards and plaques, medals, commemorative coins and stamps, commemorative memorabilia, and certificates and honorary degrees. Materials pertain to NASA and the Gemini and Apollo programs, either in a contemporary or commemorative sense, as well as numerous awards Cernan received in recognition of his NASA career and post-NASA accomplishments. Also included are multiple doctorates awarded to Cernan by various institutions including Purdue University. Items include celebratory government resolutions, commemorative and celebratory artwork, science and aviation awards, coin sets commemorating multiple manned spaceflight programs, mission patches, doctoral certificates and an academic hood, and a replica Wright brothers flying machine design. Materials reflect both Cernan's professional and post-NASA public life.