THINGS-TO-DO

Add next K-25 Employees Reunion in Oak Ridge to the calendar

D. Ray Smith

Historically Speaking

The second annual gathering of K-25 employees and supporters is approaching soon! Mark your calendars for noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26. The first event was a huge success, bringing joy to many as they reunited with old friends and met new family members of their co-workers. Children and families enjoyed the event immensely, and you won't want to miss it this year. It is becoming an annual event that everyone will enjoy.

The legacy of the K-25 Gaseous Diffusion Plant, a cornerstone of the Manhattan Project and Cold War history, will take center stage at the 2nd annual K-25 Employees Reunion, presented by Nuclear Care Partners. This landmark event, the largest gathering of former K-25 employees, their families, and community supporters, will honor the extraordinary contributions of those who helped shape one of the most significant chapters in American history.

The first annual K-25 Reunion was held on Saturday, April 27, 2024.

Taking place at the K-25 Historic Site, the reunion will feature a mix of celebration, commemoration, and community engagement.

Highlights of the reunion

Community gathering: A chance for attendees to connect, share stories, and honor the achievements of the K-25 workforce.
Special guest speakers: Hear from local legends, historians, and special guests, including Steve Goodpasture, Alan Lowe, and Paul Wasilko, who will share insights on the plant’s construction, operation, and ongoing remediation efforts, including what is planned for Portal 4 and what is happening with the K-25 Interpretive Center.
Free admission: All attending K-25 retirees and their families will receive free admission to the K-25 Atomic History Center.
Oral history collections and artifact donations: Staff from the American Museum of Science and Energy (AMSE) Foundation will be on site to collect oral histories and artifacts, preserving the unique legacy of K-25 for generations to come.
Food trucks and catered desserts: Enjoy delicious offerings from local vendors while soaking in the atmosphere of this historic celebration.
Car show: Attendees are invited to participate in a car show that will happen in tandem with the event.
Free event T-shirt: All attendees will receive a free event T-shirt to commemorate the occasion.

All proceeds from the event will go toward the maintenance and preservation of the K-25 Atomic History Center’s historic collections and the continuing rehabilitation and development of the K-25 Historic Site.

For more information, visit www.amse.org or contact information on donations and sponsorships for this event, contact Jennifer Lee at jlee@amse.org or 423-273-8131. Attendees can RSVP online at http://weblink.donorperfect.com/k25reunion, or over the phone to Pam Toon at (865) 368-0996 and Jennifer Lee at (423) 273-8131.

ABOUT: The American Museum of Science and Energy Foundation

The AMSE Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working in cooperation with the Department of Energy, is responsible for the operations of AMSE and the K-25 Atomic History Center and works to advance the mission of both institutions. As the official museum of science and energy of the United States, we build upon the impressive history of scientific advances in Oak Ridge to show the vital importance of science and engineering in our past, present, and future, and to contribute to a deeper understanding of the STEAM disciplines.

For more information about the AMSE Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.amse.org. .

ABOUT: The K-25 Atomic History Center

The K-25 Atomic History Center honors the amazing men and women who helped construct and operate the K-25 uranium enrichment complex, first as part of the Manhattan Project and then continued to help meet our nation’s security and energy needs after the war. The new 7,500-square-foot history center houses more than 250 original artifacts on display and nearly 1,000 recorded oral histories from former employees. These interactive galleries allow you to step back in time to discover the inner workings of the K-25 Plant and learn about one of the most significant industrial, scientific, and military achievements in American history.

For more information about the K-25 Atomic History Center, visit www.k25historycenter.org.

D. Ray Smith is the city of Oak Ridge historian. His Historically Speaking column is published weekly in The Oak Ridger.

Attendees gather underneath the tent during the K-25 first annual reunion on Saturday, April 27, 2024 in Oak Ridge, Tenn.

D. Ray Smith, writer for the Historically Speaking column.