Nukes Hidden All Around Us
The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History in Albuquerque has opened a new exhibit titled “American Nukes.”
The show showcases photographs taken by photographer Darin Boville, who has trekked over 30,000 miles to locate decommissioned nuclear weapons across the United States.
A Quest Through Unexpected Places
- Military bases – the expected hub of armaments.
- Rest stops – where travelers pause, yet hidden dangers linger.
- Churches – places of peace that sometimes conceal peril.
Many observers mistake these weapons for ordinary rockets or jet fighters, but older models like the “Fat Man” are unmistakable. Most, however, appear ordinary and blend into their surroundings.
The Exhibit: Old Meets New
- Painted artifacts – museums have restored some to a shiny, almost ceremonial look.
- Weathered relics – rusted and faded, reflecting neglect or time.
- Hidden in woods – buried among trees, unseen by most.
Boville is particularly drawn to the unexpected—those lurking in remote corners of the country. While he has photographed over 180 sites, he has only visited about a third, with an ambitious goal of capturing every weapon he can locate.
Inspiration Behind the Project
- 2022 – Boville stopped at the museum to take a photo for a Christmas card.
- The card’s message sparked reflection on public perception of nukes.
- Many people feel uneasy about nuclear weapons near their homes or even on holiday trees.
A Call for Awareness, Not Panic
Boville’s mission is to raise awareness without inducing panic. By exposing the hidden presence of these weapons, he hopes:
- Governments and citizens will be informed about the locations of decommissioned arsenals.
- The public can engage in informed discussions about nuclear safety and policy.
His work reminds us that while these weapons may be decommissioned, their potential danger remains a reality that must not be ignored.
