The story of Hidden Figures, a movie based on the book by Margot Lee Shetterly, revolves around the lives of three African-American women who worked at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) during the early years of the space program. The main characters, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, were mathematicians and engineers who played crucial roles in the success of NASA's missions. The location where these hidden figures worked and lived is a significant aspect of their story.
Langley Research Center
The primary location where Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary worked was the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. The center, which was established in 1917, was one of the first research facilities of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), the predecessor to NASA. The Langley Research Center was a hub for aeronautical research and development, and it was here that the three women worked as “human computers,” performing complex mathematical calculations by hand to support the engineers and scientists working on various projects.
West Area of Langley Research Center
The West Area of the Langley Research Center was where the African-American employees, including Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary, were segregated and forced to work. This area was separate from the main campus and had limited facilities and resources. Despite the segregation and discrimination they faced, the women persevered and excelled in their work, earning the respect and admiration of their colleagues.
The West Area was also where the women faced numerous challenges, including limited access to restrooms, dining facilities, and other amenities. They had to use separate restrooms and dining areas, and they were often excluded from meetings and social events. Despite these challenges, the women continued to work tirelessly, making significant contributions to the success of NASA's missions.
| Facility | Location |
|---|---|
| Langley Research Center | Hampton, Virginia |
| West Area | Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia |
Other Locations
In addition to the Langley Research Center, the story of Hidden Figures also takes place in other locations, including the women’s homes, churches, and community centers. These locations played important roles in the women’s personal and professional lives, providing support and encouragement as they navigated the challenges of their work.
Hampton, Virginia
Hampton, Virginia, was the city where the Langley Research Center was located, and it was also the community where Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary lived and worked. The city had a significant African-American population, and it was home to several historically black colleges and universities, including Hampton University. The city’s African-American community played an important role in the women’s lives, providing support and encouragement as they pursued their careers.
The women's homes and families were also important locations in the story. Katherine's husband, James Johnson, and her three daughters, Joylette, Katherine, and Constance, played significant roles in her life, providing emotional support and encouragement as she navigated the challenges of her work. Similarly, Dorothy's husband, Howard Vaughan, and her four children, Annie, Leonard, Kenneth, and Michael, were important sources of support and inspiration for her.
| Location | Significance |
|---|---|
| Langley Research Center | Primary workplace of Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary |
| West Area | Segregated area where African-American employees worked |
| Hampton, Virginia | City where the Langley Research Center was located and where the women lived and worked |
Legacy of Hidden Figures
The story of Hidden Figures has had a lasting impact on the STEM community and beyond. The movie and book have inspired a new generation of women and minorities to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. The story has also highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, demonstrating the value of diverse perspectives and experiences in achieving success.
Impact on NASA
The story of Hidden Figures has had a significant impact on NASA, highlighting the agency’s history of segregation and discrimination. The agency has since taken steps to address these issues, implementing policies and programs to promote diversity and inclusion. NASA has also recognized the contributions of Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary, honoring their legacy and inspiring future generations of women and minorities to pursue careers in STEM fields.
The legacy of Hidden Figures extends beyond NASA, however. The story has inspired a national conversation about diversity and inclusion, highlighting the importance of creating opportunities and promoting equity for women and minorities in STEM fields. The story has also demonstrated the value of perseverance and determination, showing that with hard work and dedication, anyone can achieve their goals and make a difference in their community.
What was the main location where Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary worked?
+The main location where Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary worked was the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.
What was the West Area of the Langley Research Center?
+The West Area was a segregated area of the Langley Research Center where African-American employees, including Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary, were forced to work.
What was the significance of Hampton, Virginia, in the story of Hidden Figures?
+Hampton, Virginia, was the city where the Langley Research Center was located, and it was also the community where Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary lived and worked. The city’s African-American community played an important role in the women’s lives, providing support and encouragement as they pursued their careers.
