General John R. Dailey, USMC (Ret.) Director, National Air and Space Museum

During my career as an aviator, I have had the privilege of participating in many flight programs. For over 40 years, from the cockpit and from the desk, I have witnessed firsthand the evolution of military flight and civilian space exploration. For the millions of visitors who travel to the National Air and Space Museum, this Museum serves as a personal window for a look at nearly a century of progress in the regime of flight. But at present, we cannot share the whole picture. Less than 10 percent of the National Collection of artifacts that reflect the history of flight are on display at any one time at the Museum in Washington, DC. And very large machines, like the Space Shuttle Discovery, can never be trucked into the city.

My very highest priority as Director is to give visitors access to the entire collection, and that goal is shared by Smithsonian Secretary Lawrence M. Small. With the help of many supporters, we are building a new museum facility at Washington Dulles International Airport in Northern Virginia that will help us showcase the first 100 years of flying machines. As you browse through our web site, you will learn of our progress with the design and watch us as we begin construction. And you can explore the possibilities of playing a supporting role as we seek the assistance of our friends in displaying and preserving our national aviation and space treasures.

The National Air and Space Museum at Dulles will not be paid for by Federal tax dollars. It is our job to create enthusiasm with individuals, corporations, foundations, and communities who will help us build this new museum. We hope you will be among those supporters!

Our pledge is to create a museum that will generate awe and respect for this nation's accomplishments and contribute to lifelong learning. We want our visitors to take home impressions, ideas, and knowledge that they will use and reflect on for the rest of their lives.

We will open the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in December 2003. We are committed to producing a national museum worthy of your support. Please explore these web pages to learn more about our collection, our plans for Dulles, and how we can work together to preserve our air and space heritage.

General John R. Dailey, USMC (Ret)
Director
National Air and Space Museum