In the 1970s I was introduced to a science fiction series that was produced in the 1960s and was now in syndication. That series was none other than the legendary Star Trek (The Original Series). I also fondly remember Star Trek: The Animated Series that ran for two seasons in the 70s. Star Trek was my introduction to the world of science fiction. My two other favorite TV series from that era were UFO and Space: 1999. But it was Star Trek that would carry on for decades after its original incarnation.

Star Trek wasn’t just another science fiction TV series of the time but provided a window into the future from technology to societal changes. From present-day smartphones and medical imaging, we can easily compare them to Star Trek’s communicators and tricorders. But through all the devices and matters of human (and alien!) interaction, it’s the entertainment factor that carries the audiences to the next chapters of the franchise.

Years ago, when I was living in Los Angeles I became familiar with a “Star Trek Fan Production” titled Star Trek: Hidden Frontier. Having watched these fan-made productions online (before YouTube even existed), I was naturally intrigued. After reaching out to them about my interest, I was cast in their next series Star Trek: Odyssey. Playing Commander Conner for the premiere episode, I found myself on the “bridge” of the USS Odyssey. Filmed in one room painted green, nearly the entire set was produced virtually. Given the technology of the time, I say to this day the production looked great. It was also a terrific experience as an actor working in the medium of green screen.

But it was James Cawley, the founder of the fan series Star Trek: New Voyages, that truly went where no man has gone before. After his series ended, he created Star Trek: The Original Series Set Tour museum in Ticonderoga, New York.  Opening in 2017, and painstakingly recreated from a set of original series blueprints, the museum is flawless in its execution.

When I first arrived, I was immediately taken in by the lobby. Filled to the brim with all kinds of Star Trek memorabilia and items for purchase, along with a beautiful model of the USS Enterprise, the atmosphere was set for the opening of the iconic sliding doors. The moment they were opened, I was transported back in time to the original series. It wasn’t just the exact recreations of the bridge, sickbay, engineering, and other locations that struck me in authenticity, it was the lighting and ambient background noise that propelled you to actually living in the series. I toured the set with a friend of mine from our USS Odyssey days. We selected the Special Photo Tour option that shows yours truly photographed on this wonderful set.

Suffice it to say, it was an experience I will never forget. Of course, I couldn’t leave the Star Trek universe without buying a souvenir…

…tribble.