Celebrate National Aviation Day with free educational activities during Family Day from 9am-3pm on Saturday, Aug. 15 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
National Aviation Day is a celebration of all things related to aviation and is held on the anniversary of Orville Wright’s birthday (144 years ago on Aug. 19). During Family Day, museum visitors will learn about achievements in aviation and aerospace from the time of the Wright brothers’ first flight to modern Air Force technology.
These aviation and space demonstrations are appropriate for all ages and take place throughout the day. Activities will include a “flying race” between a Wright Flyer and an F-22, as well as flying a Wright Flyer in a wind tunnel while learning about the stability and control of aircraft. Visitors also will witness some modern-day technologies with a look at fuel cells, nanotechnology and robotics.
In addition, visitors will be able to build and fly their own foam gliders from 1:30-3 pm while supplies last. This activity is free and open to all ages.
Younger visitors will enjoy a Storytime program at 11:30 am and again at 1:15 pm in the Early Years Gallery. This activity will feature stories of flight as well as a hands-on craft project, courtesy of the Greene County Public Library.
The event is free, and visitors of all ages may participate in these aviation-related activities located throughout the museum galleries. No advanced reservations are necessary. Call the Education Division at (937) 255-4646 for additional information.
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, is the world’s largest military aviation museum. With free admission and parking, the museum features more than 360 aerospace vehicles and missiles and thousands of artifacts amid more than 17 acres of indoor exhibit space. Each year about one million visitors from around the world come to the museum. For more information, visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.
