Memorabilia From Lindy's Groundbreaking Transatlantic Flight

The EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh (WI) marks its 20th anniversary this summer by hosting the largest traveling exhibit ever brought to the facility, as the renowned "Lindbergh" exhibit produced by the Missouri Historical Society will be on display beginning July 12.

The exhibit, which explores the life of legendary aviator Charles Lindbergh, will be at EAA until early October. It includes hundreds of superb artifacts drawn from Lindbergh's personal collection, many on public view for the first time in decades.

Those items include Lindbergh's flight suit and other gear from his historic trans-Atlantic journey in 1927; the Orteig Prize proclamation and medal won by Lindbergh, his Congressional Medal of Honor; plus many more of the important documents, souvenirs and other objects attesting to Lindbergh's worldwide popularity. The exhibit's appearance at EAA is made possible through support from Socata Aircraft, EADS North America and Dassault Falcon Jet Corporation.

"As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the EAA AirVenture Museum's opening in Oshkosh this summer, we wanted to include an aviation exhibit the likes of which has not been seen in this area, and in few other parts of the world," said Adam Smith, AirVenture Museum Director. "This Lindbergh exhibition is an opportunity to not only remember the trans-Atlantic flight, but also a chance to examine Lindbergh's life and re-evaluate the world's response to him and his achievements."

Not All Peaches And Cream

The exhibit also looks at the more controversial elements of Lindbergh's life, including the tragic kidnapping and murder of his son in 1932; Lindbergh's forceful support of the isolationist "America First" movement; and his acceptance of awards from Nazi Germany and Japan in the days prior to World War II.

Other exhibit items include historic film footage and radio broadcasts that capture the emotion surrounding Lindbergh's successful solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean; an interactive cross section of the Spirit of St. Louis cockpit that gives visitors and thorough understanding of the challenges faced during Lindbergh's 33-hour journey; and special displays of particular interest to children and families.

In addition, memorabilia from Lindbergh's wife, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, who became an acclaimed author in her own right, will also be included.

Sharon Smith, the Missouri Historical Society's curator of the Lindbergh exhibit, will also be at EAA for the opening and present a program regarding Lindbergh and this priceless historical collection at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 12.

Special Facility

In order to display the Lindbergh exhibit, EAA had to construct a 4,000-square foot "museum within a museum" adjacent to its own display of the EAA Spirit of St. Louis replica. The special temporary construction allows the Lindbergh exhibit to have its own lighting and display capabilities, creating a unique experience for EAA AirVenture Museum visitors.

As part of the museum's 20th anniversary celebration, there are a number of special offers and activities on July 12-13. Those include:

• Ford Tri-Motor flights for just $20 per person
• Free airplane flights for every 20th museum visitor on July 12-13
• Maximum $20 admission rate for families
• Automatic entry into drawings for free Spirit of St. Louis flights (three drawn each day)
• Special presentations on Lindbergh and the Spirit of St. Louis by Verne Jobst, who has more logged hours in the Spirit replica than any other person in the world
• A free kids' workshop to create a piece of air mail that will be flown in the Spirit of St. Louis replica.

The Lindbergh exhibit is included in regular museum admission. Additional fees are charged for aircraft flights at Pioneer Airport.

FMI: www.airventuremuseum.org