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 21 - 30 of 747
September 08, 2025
Frederick W. Smith was the longtime CEO and chairman of FedEx, a company he founded more than 50 years ago.
September 07, 2025
Lasting nearly two months, Operation Air Safety was the first time that a group of federal employees used a nationally coordinated job action to obtain an agreement on working conditions. PATCO's actions also helped secure additional air traffic control funding—Congress added emergency money to the FAA's hiring budget shortly after the slow-down started—and contributed to the passage of legislation providing overtime pay for controllers.
August 22, 2025
How many modelers have ever heard of, let alone built, a fully operational 3/8-scale aircraft capable of carrying an onboard pilot?
August 14, 2025
Before and during World War II, the Civilian Pilot Training Program trained thousands of licensed pilots and increased "airmindedness" nationwide.
July 30, 2025
The term “ace” emerged in World War I to refer to an aviator who shot down five or more enemy aircraft.
July 22, 2025
The Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) were a huge part of civilian aviation during WWII. Ahead of our new limited series, Home Front, we've brought back our season four episode where we highlighted the heroic service and enduring legacy of WASP.
July 16, 2025
Americans with disabilities have made history flying almost since the airplane was invented.
June 24, 2025
After 44 years of excellence as a tanker, the U.S. Air Force retires the McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender.
June 24, 2025
An interview with Patrick Leonini, the supervisor of photography at the National Air and Space Museum.
June 24, 2025
Some Smithsonian artifacts that memorialize these achievements might be closer to you than you realize. Through collaborations with affiliate organizations, the Smithsonian sponsors traveling exhibitions and loans artifacts to museums throughout the United States and abroad.