The Museum of Flight: Vietnam War Panel Discussion

The Museum of Flight has partnered with the Seattle Opera to offer audiences an historical perspective on the Vietnam War story in the opera, "Amelia," with two panel discussions featuring American veterans of the Vietnam War. On March 13, veteran pilots Claire Gilstad, Ray Rignel and Joe Crecca will share their experiences. The discussion will be moderated by Seattle Opera board member and Vietnam War veteran Karl Ege. The program is at 2 p.m. in the William M. Allen Theater. Click here for more information on the panelists.   The second panel discussion in the series will be held April 10. Opening May 8, the Seattle Opera's original production of a new opera, "Amelia," weaves a woman's emotional journey, the American experience in Vietnam, and elements of myth and history to explore our fascination with flight.   On the Radar: The member clubs of the Seattle Glider Council again present a glimpse into the fascinating world of silent flight during the annual Soaring Expo held Saturday, March 20 and Sunday, March 21 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. On special display this year is the "Perlan Glider" that test pilot Einar Enevoldson and the late adventurer Steve Fossett flew to set the world altitude record for gliders in 2006. Dream, Discover, Soar!   Sincerely, The Museum of Flight In This Issue In Search of Amelia Earhart Family Programs March 2010 Events April 2010 Events             Bank of America Weekend Family Workshops   Saturdays and Sundays 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.   Gliderama! March 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 What kind of aircraft can soar high in the sky yet hardly make any noise?...a glider! Come on down to the Museum and get the scoop on these amazing aircraft and find out why this type of flying is called the 'Silent Sport,' and then make your own high-flying paper glider.   Kites on the Fly! Mask Kites: April 3, 4, 10, 11 Fisherman's Kites: April 17, 18, 24, 25 Did you know that people have been flying kites for over 2,000 years? Come hear the story of these incredible yet simple flying objects, then make and decorate your own kite to fly at home!         CONTACT INFORMATION   The Museum of Flight  206.764.5720, email   Membership  206.764.5711, email   Volunteering  206.768.7179, email   Giving  206.768.7162, email   Education 206.768.7116, email   Museum Store 206.764.5704, email   March 2010 Events   Vietnam Veterans Pilot Panel Discussion Saturday, March 13, 2 p.m., Allen Theater Veteran flyers from the Vietnam era, Claire Gilstad, Ray Rignel and Joe Crecca, will share their experiences in a panel discussion taking place in conjunction with the Seattle Opera's upcoming production of "Amelia." The opera is a new work that explores the American experience in Vietnam and our fascination with flight.   Soaring Expo Saturday and Sunday, March 20-21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Side Gallery The member clubs of the Seattle Glider Council again present a glimpse into the fascinating world of silent flight at Soaring Expo 2010, held March 20-21 at The Museum of Flight. On special display this year is the "Perlan Glider" that test pilot Einar Enevoldson and the late adventurer Steve Fossett flew to set a the world altitude record for gliders in 2006. Exhibits include full-size gliders and radio-controlled gliders on display. Lectures, movies and presentations are offered all weekend. Representatives of local soaring and RC glider clubs will be on hand to answer questions.   American Fighter Aces Panel Saturday, March 27, 2 p.m., Allen Theater A panel of WWII veteran pilots including eight-aerial victory Ace, James Tapp; 14-victory Ace Clyde East; 13-victory Ace James Brooks; and five-victory Ace James Kunkel.   Challenger Learning Center Public Mission Saturday, March 27, 1-3 p.m. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be an astronaut? Here is your chance! Sessions are for participants ages 10 and up--under 16 years of age requires adult supervision. Sessions are $10/participant (non-participating adults are free.) Pre-registration is required. For further information, call 206.764.1384 or e-mail education@museumofflight.org.    Aviation Learning Center Public Mission Wednesday, March 31, 1-3 p.m. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a pilot? Here is your chance! Sessions are for participants ages 10 and up--under 16 years of age requires adult supervision. Sessions are $10/participant (non-participating adults are free.) Pre-registration is required. For further information, call 206.764.1384 or e-mail education@museumofflight.org.     April 2010 Events   Girl Scout Day Saturday, April 3, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Explore the wonders of the night sky in the Museum's portable planetarium while satisfying elements fo the Space Explorer Try-It and the Sky Search Badge   Participants must bring a bag lunch. $12/Girl Scout. Accompanying adults at no charge. Payment required at time of reservation.   To register, call 206.764.1384 or contact www.museumofflight.org/contact/On-Site+Programs. Registration closes March 26.   23rd Fighter Group: "Chennault's Sharks" Lecture and Book Signing Saturday, April 3, 2 p.m., Allen Theater Successor to the legendary "Flying Tigers" AVG, the 23rd FG ran up a commendable combat record over China, a record that Carl Molesworth chronicles in this nicely illustrated release from Osprey Publishing. Part of their 'Aviation Elite Units' series, 23rd Fighter Group documents the 23rd's exciting combats and strike missions and the impact it had on the war in China.   Vietnam Panel Discussion II Saturday, April 10, 2 p.m., Allen Theater Veteran flyers from the Vietnam era--Jim Platt, Doug Clark and Don Scott, will share their experiences in a panel discussion in conjunction with the Seattle Opera's upcoming production of "Amelia," a new work that explores the American experience in Vietnam and our fascination with flight.   "Robots vs. Humans in Spaceflight: Technology, Evolution, and Interplanetary Travel" Lecture by Dr. Roger Launius Thursday, April 15, 7 p.m. Allen Theater Chair of the Division of Space History, National Air and Space Museum and former Chief Historian at NASA, Roger Launius will make a presentation based on a recent book that explores the history and possible futures for human/robotic spaceflight, "Imagining Space: Achievements, Possibilities, Predictions, 1950-2050." Admission is $10 for general public and $5 for Museum members.   "Perspectives on the Past, Present and Future of Human Spaceflight" Lecture by Dr. Roger Launius Saturday, April 17, 2 p.m. Allen Theater Launius will explore the history of spaceflight during the past 50 years and offer comments on the core challenges for future exploration. Those challenges include political will; cheap, reliable access to space; smart robotics; protecting this planet and this species; and exploration of the moon and Mars.   Hops and Props 2010 Saturday, April 24, 7-10 p.m. The Museum's 8th annual Hops and Props event is sold out. $30 designated driver tickets will be available in the Museum Store the night of the event.