Stories of daring, stories of technological feats, stories of prevailing against the odds ... these are the stories we tell at the National Air and Space Museum. Dive in to the stories below to discover, learn, and be inspired. 

Showing 101 - 110 of 319

April 22, 2020 50 Years of Earth Day: Why This Anniversary Matters Story

Space history curator Martin Collins reflects on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and it means today.

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January 24, 2020 Remembering Julius Montgomery: Space Program Pioneer Story

Julius Montgomery, a pioneering African American in the space program, died on January 22, 2020, in Florida. He was the first African American ever hired at the Cape Canaveral space facility to work as a technical professional. Additionally, he integrated the Florida Institute of Technology and was the first black member of the Melbourne, Florida, City Council.

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December 19, 2019 How Star Wars Revolutionized Entertainment Story

The three ways that the Star Wars franchised changed the entertainment business. 

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December 06, 2019 The Aeronauts Brings the Bravado of Balloon Flight to the Big Screen (Artistic License Included) Story

The new film The Aeronauts truly captures the excitement of ballooning in the 19th century, even if it makes a few historical errors along the way. Ballooning expert Tom Paone explores the history behind the film.

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September 12, 2019 AirSpace Season 2|Ep.13
Out of the Frying Pan 
Story | AirSpace Podcast

Emily, Matt, and Nick unpack story behind their new favorite space movie (yes, it’s even better than Armageddon!).

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August 29, 2019 Back to School Story | From the Archives

As the summer comes to an end, it’s time for many to go back to school.  Most students have mixed feelings of excitement and trepidation at the thought of returning. Imagine how the students at the earliest aviation schools felt!

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August 23, 2019 AirSpace Season 2|Ep.12
Every Rose Has Its Thorn
Story | AirSpace Podcast

Today on the show, we tackle the meaning of life. Well… not really. But definitely matters of consequence. 

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July 22, 2019 Apollo Playlist Part 2: Music Inside Apollo, Musical Critique from Outside Apollo Story | Apollo 50

In this blog celebrating the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11, we explore how the astronauts listened to music during the mission, what was on their playlists, and musical critiques of the Apollo program.

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July 20, 2019 Apollo Memorabilia: Command Module Handbag Story | Apollo 50

As the Museum celebrates the anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing, we also celebrate some of the unique pieces of memorabilia created to mark that human achievement. In addition to the pins, patches, buttons, medals, matchbooks, sweatshirts, and commemorative plates the Smithsonian holds in the national collection, this unique ladies handbag is one of my favorites.

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July 11, 2019 Ground Control to Major Tom: The Apollo Playlist Part 1 Story | Apollo 50

On July 11, 1969 – only 5 days before Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin set out on their journey to the Moon – a relatively unknown British musician named David Bowie released a single titled Space Oddity.

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