Throughout the history of aviation and space exploration, women have fought to be on equal terms with their male counterparts. At this family day, enjoy learning about the significant contributions women have made despite the many challenges they faced. The day will feature presentations by women in the field, hands-on activities, and stories.

TIMED PRESENTATIONS AND ACTIVITIES

New Horizons
Watch a live presentation on New Horizons, with a shout-out to the women involved in the mission! The presentation is free, first come, first served.
In the Albert Einstein Planetarium
10:30 am

Meet an Astronaut
Hear from Mary Cleave about her experiences as a NASA astronaut.
In Moving Beyond Earth (Gallery 213)
11:00 am and 1:30 pm

Talk to “Ruth Law”
Interact with the early aviator, portrayed by Natalie Zanin.
In Early Flight (Gallery 107)
11:00 am—1:00 pm and 2:00 pm—3:00 pm

Story Time
Enjoy a reading of Rosie Revere, Engineer by Steve Breen and do a hands-on activity (ages 3 with an adult companion).
In Barron Hilton Pioneers of Flight Gallery (Gallery 208)
11:00 am and 1:00 pm 

Astronomical Observing
Observe the sky and learn about Phoebe Waterman Haas, one of the first women in the US to earn a PhD in astronomy.
At the Phoebe Waterman Haas Public Observatory (outside, near McDonald’s), weather permitting
12:00 pm—3:00 pm

ALL DAY PRESENTATION STATIONS

Beverley Drake from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
In America by Air (Gallery 102)

Ruth Law Collection
Learn about the life and career of early aviator Ruth Law in this display by the National Air and Space Museum Archives.
In Early Flight (Gallery 107)

Try Your Hand at Demonstration Robots
In the South Lobby (Gallery 108)

Science Cheerleaders, NASA, and SciStarter
Learn about nationwide research that examines soil moisture conditions and water availability.
In Space Race (Gallery 114)

Women @ NASA
In Space Race (Gallery 114)

Conserving Spacesuits
Talk to curator Cathleen Lewis and conservator Lisa Young about the Museum’s spacesuits.
In Apollo to the Moon (Gallery 210)

ALL DAY ACTIVITIES

Early Flight Fun
Collect an air mail card and design air show pennants (ages 5 and up).
In America by Air (Gallery 102)

Design Build Test: Construct a Sturdy Plane Wing
Build a plane wing and learn about the women who helped build (and fly) the planes during WWII and dress up like Rosie the Riveter (ages 5 and up).
In America by Air (Gallery 102)

Jerrie Mock’s Flight Around the World
Map the 1964 flight of the first woman to fly around the world (ages 5 and up).
In America by Air (Gallery 102)

Build a Spacecraft (ages 5 )
In Looking at Earth (Gallery 110)

Create an Astronaut Mission Patch and Communication Headset
In Space Race (Gallery 114)

Make Your Own Aviation Goggles
In Barron Hilton Pioneers of Flight Gallery (Gallery 208)

This program is made possible through the generous support of Northrop Grumman Corporation.