Past Events

Aviation Adventures Lecture Series

The Aviation Adventures series is the National Air and Space Museum's longest-running sponsored program, spotlighting everything from icons of aviation like Sikorsky helicopters and the Navy’s TOPGUN school, to modern-day advancements in aviation like sustainability efforts and the future of supersonic flight.

This lecture series is made possible by the generous support of GE Aerospace.

Showing 1-10 of 10

Lecture Sean D. Tucker: A Passion for Aviation Presented Online
National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
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No one rolled and tumbled an airplane like Sean D. Tucker. Hear from a renowned aerobatic pilot about his inspiring career.
Lecture Fast Forward: The Concorde and the Future of Supersonic Flight National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC

Explore the past and future of supersonic flight.
Lecture USS Hornet: Stories of the Apollo 11 Recovery National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC

Hear a firsthand account of the USS Hornet's recovery of the Apollo 11 astronauts and spacecraft, featuring a helicopter pilot, Navy diver, and flight surgeon.
Lecture Women’s Air Races, Aviation Business, and Astronaut Tests: A Pathbreaking Career National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC

When taking astronaut fitness tests is just a footnote in your long list of accomplishments, you know you’ve had an amazing career. Join Gene Nora Jessen for a conversation about her extensive aviation career.
Lecture Breaking Boundaries in the Sky National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
Lecture Surprising Roles of Drones National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC

Explore innovative uses of drones. Featuring John Petersen of Air Shepherd, Will Hetzler of Zipline, and Sharon Rossmark from Women and Drones. Tickets are free, but must be reserved in advance.
Lecture Dreams Soar National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC

When Afghan-American pilot Shaesta Waiz decided to fly around the world, she knew she wanted to do it for something bigger than herself. Last year, Waiz became the youngest woman to circumnavigate the globe solo in a single-engine aircraft—and along the way, she inspired girls and boys to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields and aviation careers.
Lecture Meet the King and Queen of Speed National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC

Imagine zooming through the air at 415 miles per hour in a personal aircraft you designed and built from scratch. That's all in a day's work for the team behind Nemesis Air Racing. 
News Takes Flight: The Untold Story of Aviation and the Media National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC

In this fast-paced lecture, Miles O’Brien reveals the media’s record of aviation journalism, beginning with the Wright brothers in December 1903.
9/11 Perspectives National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC

In this lecture, Heather "Lucky" Penney and her father John Penney will discuss their experiences on 9/11, their shared passion for aviation, and their inspiring service to our nation.