The National Air and Space Museum announced today a grant of $10 million from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation to establish the Barron Hilton Endowed Fund, which will be used to create an early childhood education program, support exhibition revitalization and development, and upgrade and maintain the Pioneers of Flight Gallery. The museum has recognized the grant by renaming this gallery, where many of the "firsts of flights" are featured, the Barron Hilton Pioneers of Flight Gallery.

"We are grateful for the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation's generous grant, which will help fulfill an important part of the National Air and Space Museum mission: to educate and inspire visitors," museum director Gen. J.R. "Jack" Dailey said. "In his youth, Barron Hilton was inspired by many of the aviation legends we honor here in the Pioneers of Flight Gallery and became an accomplished pilot. And now, his generosity will enable us to motivate new generations of young people to get involved in aviation."

The early childhood education program introduces children – ages 3 to 8—to the history and science behind air travel through hands-on activities, story telling, art-making and theater. The endowment will also fund new displays and interactive technology in existing galleries.

Based in Los Angeles, the Hilton Foundation was created in 1944 by the late hotel entrepreneur and business leader, Conrad N. Hilton, who left his fortune to the foundation with instructions to help the most disadvantaged and vulnerable throughout the world without regard to religion, ethnicity or geography. Early childhood development is one of the foundation's priority program areas.

The National Air and Space Museum building on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., is located at Sixth Street and Independence Avenue S.W. The museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located in Chantilly, Va., near Washington Dulles International Airport. Both facilities are open daily from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. (Closed Dec. 25) Admission is free, but there is a $12 fee for parking at the Udvar-Hazy Center.