Hugh Harris “The Voice of NASA” – ASM Interview on YouTube

To watch on YouTube, visit our “Space Worker Oral Histories“ and look for Hugh Harris.

On Oct 8th, 2020 American Space Museum interviewed Hugh Harris. Called “The Voice of NASA” for many years by the world’s television networks, Hugh devoted 35 years with NASA to telling the story of the United States space program.

Although he is best known to the public for his calm, professional commentary on the progress of launch preparations and launch of the space shuttle, his primary accomplishments were in directing an outreach program to the general public, news media, students and educators, as well as business and government leaders. As the third director of Public Affairs for NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, he built on the groundwork of Gordon Harris and Chuck Hollinshead by overseeing the largest major construction program in the history of the Kennedy Space Center’s visitor complex and tours that have hosted more than three million visitors a year. The Saturn V Center, which was part of that new construction, won the Award for Outstanding Achievement from the Themed Entertainment Association in 1997. He also is particularly proud of his role in the creation of “The Chroniclers.”

Hugh started with NASA in 1963 and retired in 1998. The recipient of two NASA Exceptional Service Medals and the NASA Equal Opportunity Medal, he is most pleased with being included in more than 25 group achievement awards.

Moderated by Mark Marquette, this interview is part of our museum’s “Stay Curious” series and our “Space Worker Oral Histories” project.