African American Pioneers in Aviation and Space
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Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA
Free, Parking $15
Join us as we celebrate African American History Month by revealing past pioneers and giving families the opportunity to inspire the next generation of innovators in aviation and space. African Americans have made, and continue to make, significant contributions to flight and space exploration despite the overwhelming obstacles they had to overcome. Enjoy guest speakers as they share their personal tales of triumph, participate in hands-on activities that will challenge families to be pioneers in space and aviation, and hear inspiring stories of African Americans who have overcome challenges and refused to be hidden figures.
Visitors can:
Hear from Tuskegee Airman Col. Charles McGee (2:30 pm)
Learn about the "Triple Nickles" smokejumpers while designing and building a parachute
View special collections from the National Air and Space Museum Archives related to African American figures
Take a special highlights tour of the Museum focused on African American accomplishments in aviation and space
Enjoy Flights of Fancy story time readings of Nobody Owns the Sky: The Story of "Brave Bessie" Coleman and related hands-on activites
Listen to a panel discussion hosted by Legacy Flight Academy about the careers available in aviation and engineering (1:00 pm)
Watch the "Take a Giant Leap" puppet show, featuring stories of great air and space adventurers, including the Tuskegee Airmen (10:30 am, 12:00 pm, and 1:30 pm)
This program is made possible through the generous support of Northrop Grumman Corporation.
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We rely on the generous support of donors, sponsors, members, and other benefactors to share the history and impact of aviation and spaceflight, educate the public, and inspire future generations. With your help, we can continue to preserve and safeguard the world’s most comprehensive collection of artifacts representing the great achievements of flight and space exploration.