‘Star Trek & Worlds Beyond’ at the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio

Since its 1966 debut, “Star Trek” has become one of the most celebrated franchises in television and film. Creator Gene Roddenberry envisioned a united Federation where diverse species work together to explore the universe, overcoming prejudice and promoting an optimistic, inclusive future. 

Now, the Paramount Archive invites visitors to experience “Star Trek” up close in a special exhibition that showcases nearly 150 unique props, costumes and images from this beloved universe. Among the artifacts featured in “Star Trek & Worlds Beyond” are phasers, communicators and insignia from the Kelvin timeline, a Vulcan tea set, Romulan insignia, Uhura’s earpiece and Starfleet props and costumes from the various timelines. 

Curator Randall Thropp, who manages the Paramount Pictures Costume & Prop Archive, will also showcase “Star Trek” toys, comic books and other merchandising materials in the Lower Gallery. The Trumbull County Historical Society and Museum of Science Fiction & Fantasy Arts is collaborating with DACO to include several “Star Trek” props from the museum’s collection in the exhibition as well.  

Exhibition programming: 

Curator Talk 
Sunday, June 1, 2:00 pm  
Curator Randall Thropp, Paramount Picture Archivist, will explore the props, costumes and artifacts featured in Star Trek & Worlds Beyond. Russ Haslage, president of the International Federation of Trekkers, who worked closely with Gene Roddenberry to create “the ultimate Star Trek fan club” will join. 

How Midcentury Modernism Shaped Our View of the Future 
Sunday, June 29, 2:00 pm  
Join Dan Chavkin, author of Star Trek: Designing the Final Frontier, for a special Zoom event that will explore how the show’s visual style embraced the optimism and innovation of midcentury modern design. A Zoom watch will also be available at DACO.  

Style in Star Trek 
Sunday, July 13, 2:00 pm  
Robert Spadoni, associate professor of English at Case Western University, explores how elements like editing, lighting and audiovisual techniques shape the viewer's experience. 

Lights, Camera, Sci-Fi! How an Ohio Museum is Preserving Sci-Fi History 
Sunday, July 20, 2:00 pm  
Ryan MacLennan of the Trumbull County Historical Society will explore the museum’s props, sharing the fascinating stories behind their use in various Star Trek episodes and films. 

Additional programming: 

Make Your Own Alien 
Friday, July 11, 3-4 p.m. or Friday, July 18, 3-4 p.m.  

“Star Trek”-Inspired Jewelry 
Thursday, July 31, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or Saturday, Aug. 2, noon-1:30 p.m.   

“Star Trek: The Motion Picture” (Director’s Cut) at the Drexel Theatre 
Tuesday, June 10, 7 p.m. | Tickets at the Drexel, drexel.net 

“E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” at Zane Square 
Saturday Film Night with Destination Downtown Lancaster 
Saturday, June 14, 5:30 p.m. | destinationdowntownlancaster.com  

ArtWalk 
Friday, July 25, 6-9 p.m. | destinationdowntownlancaster.com 

Bexley Public Library Curator Talk: LIGHTS, CAMERA, SCI-FI 
Sunday, July 27, 3 p.m. | bexleylibrary.org

For more information about “Star Trek & Worlds Beyond” and exhibition programming, visit decartsohio.org.