Air and Space Museum

Located in Washington, D.C., the original National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution was opened in 1946, drawing in viewers from across the world. The museum celebrated its 71st anniversary this August, featuring exhibitions celebrating the achievements of American space development.

Patrick Donnell from Phoenix, Arizona said, “This museum celebrates human progress. You know history books talk about expansion and how the pioneers traveled on land, but we pushed that theory of expansion to space.”

People from all over the world come to the museum. Michael Klemp from Chicago said, “I was here 50 years ago as a kid in the old building. Now I’m here again for a trade show and I knew I wasn’t going to miss it. I just texted a picture of all this to my grandson. A place like this is truly something that lives on for people.” The museum holds value for people of all ages, offering an educational experience for everyone.

The preservation of history holds great significance to many, as the continuation of American progress is solidified through the exhibitions. Museum Specialist Patrick says, “Everyday I come to work, I know that I am working to educate the people who come here, furthering the notions that America has worked infinitely hard to achieve this kind of development.”

The museum strives to further the knowledge of the exploration, discovery, and expansion of American space achievement. “The fact that this is wholly dedicated to taking a piece out of history is amazing. We love all of it. It is hard to comprehend the advances in technology and the bravery that people had to actually try to make these changes”, said Petty and Bob Allen from Laguna Beach, California.

The appeal of the museum for many is viewing development of technology. Eddie from Germany said, “I came just to see what’s going on in the world. The changes through the ages are fascinating.”

The museum’s timeline begins with the Wright brother’s first attempt at flight in an exhibit entitled, “Wright Brothers & The Invention of the Aerial Age”. From there it expands to the Space Race, and modern advancements in air travel. Matthew Zacher said, “I was struck by the Wright Brother’s Exhibit. I learned about it as a child, but to see the manifestation of their work was awe inspiring. You could make the argument that without their dedication, America would not be where we are as a powerhouse country. We would not have won wars, made strides in the environment, and explored space without them.”

Students who take interest in air travel and flight may look into an Aviation educational scholarship or a discovery flight training course.

On Tuesday, November 7th, 2017, a group of Vietnam Veterans visited the museum with the Central Missouri Honor Flight, a program that brings veterans to their memorials. Stan Stienhoff, a Vietnam Vet, was amazed to be in the presence of the planes he flew. He said, “I finally get the opportunity to appreciate the power of the machinery I operated. When you’re in war, your focus is staying alive, and being presented with the opportunity to step back and truly take in the power of aircraft in war is truly something I treasure.”