The Museum of Flight: A visit from National A&S Museum curator Tom Crouch

Greetings!  This week, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's Senior Curator of the Division of Aeronautics Tom Crouch visits the Museum for two programs. The first focuses on his 2009 book "Lighter Than Air--An Illustrated History of Airships and Balloons." The presentation will chronicle lighter-than-air flight from its infancy to the lastest in sport balloons and plans for future airships. The program will be held Thursday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. in the William M. Allen Theater. Program is $10 for general admission and $5 for Museum members. Museum members may reserve seats by calling 206.768.7171.  On Saturday, Jan. 30, Crouch again visits the Museum, this time for a program on the life of Amelia Earhart. The presentation is at 2 p.m. in the William M. Allen Theater.  On Saturday, Jan. 30 and Sunday, Jan. 31, the Museum remembers the fallen astronauts of Apollo 1 and space shuttles STS-51L Challenger and STS-107 Columbia with biographies of those lost on the three flights and the "Badge of Honor" weekend family workshop. On Sunday, Jan. 31, Museum President and CEO Dr. Bonnie J. Dunbar will talk about her second mission aboard the space shuttle. The program is at 2 p.m. in the William M. Allen Theater.  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.    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   "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 of 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.    African Americans in Aerospace: A Black History Month Panel Saturday, Feb. 6, 2 p.m., William M. Allen Theater The Museum of Flight commemorates Black History Month with a Feb. 6 panel discussion with current Air Force and Alaska Airline pilots. Moderated by Tuskegee Airman, Lt. Col. Bill Holloman III (ret.), the panel will include Alaska Airlines pilot Capt. Mike Swanigan, a Kenmore, Wash. resident who currently flies 737s for the airline; Seattle resident and Alaska Airline pilot Mike Hendrix; Lt. Col. Kimberly Scott, an Alaska Airlines pilot and  U.S. Air Force Reserve C-17 pilot for the 728th Airlift Squadron; Lt. Col. Rod Lewis, commander of the C-17 squadron at McChord Air Force Base, Wash.; and Maj. Gen. Harold "Mitch" Mitchell, an Alaska Airlines and U.S. Air Force pilot who is now assigned to the Pentagon. Panelists will be available for autographs following the presentation. Books about African American pilots and astronauts, as well as other memorabilia, will be available for purchase in the Museum Store. 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-served. 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.