Dr. Richard Feynman was a legend of American science — a Nobel-winning theoretical physicist who served his country — working both on the atomic bomb and investigating the Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster.
As “the great explainer,” he was also renowned teacher, serving as a mentor and role model for thousands of American scientists.
One of his greatest teaching tools was also his method of transportation. His Dodge van, painted with Feynman Diagrams (mathematical tools he used to win the Nobel) has served as a continuing reminder of the unique genius and invaluable contributions of a great American mind.
We urge President Obama to accept “Feynman’s Van” into the Smithsonian Institution’s collection so it may continue to inspire the next generation of scientific pioneers.