EYEWITNESS TO HISTORY

Cape Canaveral During the Space Race

The first of several presentations in the Space Talks series, join Jeff Hessel as he recounts his incredible journey at Cape Canaveral - ground zero of our Space Program. After graduating with an engineering degree, he started his career at the Cape during the height of the Space Race and the time of the Apollo program. The presentation includes history of the Cape, why the location was selected, competition with the Soviet Union, rare archival footage of JFK’s last visit to the Cape - six days before his tragic trip to Dallas, witnessing the Apollo 11 launch and much more. The presentation combines history, some little-known facts and Jeff’s own experiences. His behind-the-scenes narrative about this unique time in our history is both educational and entertaining.

Ask about future presentations:
Facts vs. Fantasy: Aliens, UFOs and Hoaxes
Back to the Moon: The Artemis Program
Cape Canaveral: Past, Present and Future

Lecturer Jeff Hessel speaks of his time at Cape Canaveral during the Space Race, the time of the Apollo program, as well as the lunar landing. The presentation combines history, some little known facts, and Jeff's own experiences.

About Jeff Hessel

Jeff Hessel, BS Mechanical Engineering, is a graduate of City College of New York. He continued his engineering studies at University of Michigan and New York University. Upon graduating in 1968, he began working at Cape Canaveral during the height of the Space Race and the time of the Apollo Program. He has presented Space Talks to numerous clubs, communities, organizations, colleges, professional societies, corporate events and STEM school programs. He was a keynote speaker at a major space conference, SpaceCom, and was recently selected by NASA to become an official Solar System Ambassador. He is currently working on a book with the backdrop of the early days of Cape Canaveral during our Apollo Program.

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TESTIMONIALS

  • Your Cape Canaveral presentation really was to the moon and back! Over 200 members of our Club listened to your program about witnessing the Apollo 11 launch and not one person left the room. Thank you again.

    MA

  • Jeff knocked it out of the galaxy. Our members loved it!

    JB

  • Jeff spoke about his part of the Apollo Project and what went on behind closed doors. It was the best lecture the Men’s Club has had in many years. We thank him for all the knowledge he displayed to our group. He is the one guy you want to have as a speaker to your group.

    RL

  • Thank you so much on behalf of almost 200 of our Valencia Cay Men’s Club members in attendance today. Your presentation was totally entertaining, educational and professional. It kept our audience's attention throughout the entire event. I received nothing but compliments from everyone in attendance. Thank you again, you're a 100% class act.

    MD

  • The Valencia Falls Men’s Club invited Jeff Hessel to speak at their breakfast today and he did not disappoint. His presentation about his time at Cape Canaveral during the Cold War period was both informative and very entertaining. The crowd was very pleased with his presentation. Great job today!

    PS

  • We had a very enjoyable experience with Jeff’s professional presentation with amazing slides and videos. We sat there listening as he brought us back to a prior generation, and everyone was paying very careful attention. We intend to invite Jeff back.

    SM