Sharing History And Aircraft Through Talks, Hands-On Experiences

The Smithsonian’s National Air  and Space Museum will bring its world-class experts on aviation history, legendary aircraft, and how it cares for them to the EAA AirVenture 2025 at Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, from July 21-27.

The Museum will be in its own area at Booth 328, where visitors can learn about the history of aviation and spaceflight and how the museum cares for and preserves its collection of aircraft, spacecraft, and many other historic objects. Guests can also take along a guide on how to care for their personal family history.

The museum has two locations, one in Washington, D.C., and the other near Wahington Dulles Airport in Chantilly, Virginia. Both locations house the nation’s air and space collection of one-of-a-kind and historic aircraft and spacecraft like the original Wright Flyer that made the very first controlled airplane flight, the Bell X-1 that broke the sound barrier, and the Space Shuttle Discovery.

Museum curators and the experts who preserve, restore, and protect these important national treasures will be there to talk about their work. They will also explain how visitors can ensure that parts of their family’s heritage can be kept safe for generations to come, including photographs, military medals, and important papers.

Experts will present 30-minute talks every day at 10:00 am and 12:30 pm on a wide variety of topics, and guests will be able to ask  questions as well.

Some of the objects and artifacts that will be brought along to hold and interact with include:

• Space shuttle spacesuit gloves and space shuttle tiles
• A U-2 pilot’s pressure suit
• U.S. Air Force flight helmets
• Samples of complex parts built and used to restore historic aircraft
• Examples of how the museum fixes the fabric on early airplanes

Chris Browne, John and Adrienne Mars Director of the National Air and Space Museum said, “AirVenture is unique in its scope and scale among fly-in air shows and a great way for us to share our expertise with people who share the museum’s passion for all things that fly. We love to be able to tell the stories of aviation that are behind so much of what is on display at Oshkosh, and help people keep their personal history safe for years to come.”

FMI:  airandspace.si.edu/