The Museum of Flight: "Amelia Earhart: Mystery Solved" with Elgen Long

Oregon-native Elgen M. Long, a consultant on the feature film "Amelia," and co-author of the recently released book "Amelia Earhart: The Mystery Solved" will be at the Museum for a lecture and book signing, Saturday, Jan. 23 at 2 p.m. The presentation will cover the making of the movie "Amelia" and the latest information and technologies being used in the search for Earhart's Lockheed Electra. Long and and his wife Marie spent 25 years researching the mysterious disappearance of Amelia Earhart over the Pacific. Their book, "Amelia Earhart: The Mystery Solved," presents a convincing recreation of Earhart's final flight, as well as a look back at her legacy. The Longs compiled a wealth of information culled from hundreds of interviews, newly released logs of Earhart's ending transmissions, recreations of the flight, and their own piloting expertise to determine the fate of one of the most famous female pilots in history. Seattle Times reviewer Adam Woog says the Longs' book is "The most levelheaded and persuasive [book about Amelia Earhart's disappearance] of all." Don't forget! Hops & Props will be held on Saturday, April 24 from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $55 for Museum members, $70 for general admission and $30 for designated drivers. Tickets are currently available at the Museum Store and on museumofflightstore.org. This is a very popular event and tickets sell out fast so be sure to purchase your tickets soon! All attendees must be 21+ years of age--valid photo identification will be required at the door for entry. Dream, Discover, Soar! Sincerely, The Museum of Flight In This Issue In Search of Amelia Earhart Family Programs January 2010 Events February 2010 Events             Bank of America Weekend Family Workshops   Saturdays and Sundays 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.    Saturn V: Rocket to the Moon! Jan.  23 and 24 The three-stage rocket that carried U.S. astronauts to the moon stood higher than the Statue of Liberty! Visitors will learn about the creation of the Saturn V and its successful missions to the moon, then build their own Saturn V rocket model!   Badge of Honor: Remembering the Crews of Apollo 1, STS-51-L Challenger and STS-107 Columbia Jan. 30 and 31 Visitors will learn about the history of the space mission patches, then make their own space mission patch to honor the American astronauts who have given their lives to advance the progress of space travel.   Pushing the Envelope: the X-15 Feb. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28 In the early 1960s, a new generation of test pilots went into space in the X-15 experimental aircraft to find out the limits of human endurance. Visitors will learn about this breakthrough project that paved the way for all future space travel, then design their own experimental aircraft!         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   January 2010 Events   "Amelia Earhart: Mystery Solved" Lecture and Book Signing with Elgen Long Saturday, Jan. 23, 2 p.m., William M. Allen Theater The disappearance of Amelia "has long haunted the popular imagination." Author Elgen Long will present a solution to the mystery. A book signing will follow the presentation.   "Lighter than Air" Lecture and Book Signing with Tom D. Crouch Thursday, Jan. 28, 7 p.m., William M. Allen Theater Tom D. Crouch is senior curator of the Division of Aeronautics at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. Join us for an evening presentation where Crouch will present his book "Lighter than Air--An Illustrated History of Airships and Balloons." Program is $10 general admission and $5 for Museum members. Members may reserve seats by calling 206.768.7171.   The Story of Amelia with Tom D. Crouch Saturday, Jan. 30, 2 p.m., William M. Allen Theater Tom D. Crouch, senior curator of the Division of Aeronautics at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum, recalls the life and times of Amelia Earhart.   Astronaut Remembrance Weekend Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 30-31 For two days, the Museum remembers the fallen astronauts of Apollo 1, and Space Shuttles STS-51-L Challenger and STS-107 Columbia during the anniversary of the tragedies.   20th Anniversary of STS-32 with Dr. Bonnie J. Dunbar Sunday, Jan. 31, 2 p.m., William M. Allen Theater In recognition of Astronaut Remembrance Week, Dr. Dunbar will talk about her second mission aboard the Space Shuttle.   February 2010 Events   Wells Fargo Free First Thursday Thursday, Feb. 4, 5 - 9 p.m. Once a month, the Museum stays open late--and admission is free from 5 - 9 p.m., courtesy of Wells Fargo.   Free presentation of the feature film, "Amelia" Thursday, Feb. 4, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., William M. Allen Theater The Museum will a present a free screening of the 2009 feature film "Amelia." This lavish production brings to life the extraordinary life legendary aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart, portrayed by two time Academy Award® winner Hilary Swank.  Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The screening is courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.   Learn about the making of the motion picture, "Amelia," during the Jan. 23 presentation by Elgin Long. Long was an advisor on the movie, and the script was partially based upon his book (with co-author Marie Long), "Amelia Earhart: The Mystery Solved."   African Americans in Aerospace: A Black History Month Panel Saturday, Feb. 6, 2 p.m., William M. Allen Theater The Museum celebrates Black History Month with an outstanding panel of African Americans who have contributed to this exciting field, including Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. Bill Holloman III (Ret.), and Lt. Col. Kimberly Scott, a reservist C-17 pilot for the 728th Airlift Squadron and a pilot for Alaska Airlines.   PSEC Engineering Fair Saturday, Feb. 13, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Side Gallery The Museum and the Puget Sound Engineering Council celebrate National Engineers week with an Engineering Fair. Local chapters of national societies representing the entire span of engineering disciplines will staff booths all day where those interested in engineering careers can learn more about the exciting opportunities available. Several university engineering departments and student clubs will also be represented. Visit www.eweek.org for more information.   15th Annual Popsicle Bridge Contest Saturday, Feb. 13, 8 a.m. - Noon, William M. Allen Theater The Younger Member Forum of the American Society of Civil Engineers host a competition of bridges built using only Popsicle sticks and white glue. Each year, teams of high school students from local schools build bridges that are strong, efficient and aesthetically pleasing. The bridges will be judged and tested to failure with a hydraulic press. Winners will be announced at noon.   2010 NW Scale Modelers Show Saturday, Feb. 13 and Sunday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., T.A. Wilson Great Gallery See hundreds of detailed scale model aircraft, cars, spacecraft and more at the largest model show in the Pacific Northwest. This year's show will feature a walk through world history with everything from T.Rex to Star Trek. NWSM Club members will be on hand all weekend--don't miss this chance to see them at work on projects and answer all your questions about the fascinating hobby of plastic scale modeling.   Children ages 6 and up are invited to learn the art of modeling during free "Make and Take" model building workshops sponsored by Galaxy Hobby and Skyway Model Shop. Workshops are first-come, first-serve. Each child should have an adult helper.   Aviation Learning Center Public Mission Saturday, Feb. 13, 1 - 3 p.m., Aviation Learning Center Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a pilot? Here is your chance! Sessions are $10/participant. Pre-registration is required. For further information, call 206.764.1384 or e-mail education@museumofflight.org.   Pan Am and the Boeing Model 314 Saturday, Feb. 13, 2 p.m., William M. Allen Theater Hear about the design, construction and operation of the Boeing Model 314, the last of the great flying boats. Following a brief historical overview, a panel of Pan American World Airways veterans will recall their experiences of the flying boat era. Pan Am Engineer Robert Blake, Capt. Herb Stevenson, Capt. Larry Pendlebury and Flight Engineer John Anderson will discuss the logistics, operations and flying of the Boeing 314 and other big flying boats.   Royal Aeronautical Society - Seattle Branch Meeting Tuesday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m., William M. Allen Theater Former SR-71 Command Pilot and current Boeing Training Captain Cal Augustine will discuss his time, experience and missions flown in the "Blackbird" during his Air Force career. This informative presentation is open to Royal Aeronautical Society Members and the general public.   Bumping (Repeatedly) into the Sound Barrier--The History of the Jet Engine with Reiner Decher Saturday, Feb. 20, 2 p.m., William M. Allen Theater Reiner Decher, retired professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the University of Washington, sheds some light on the nature of the limitations on flight performance imposed by the 700 mph speed of sound.   Tip-to-Tail Tour: "In Search of Amelia Earhart" exhibit Sunday, Feb. 21, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., T.A. Wilson Great Gallery Join Museum docents for a tour of the "In Search of Amelia Earhart" exhibit.