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Free Family Day focuses on lighter-than-air flight

  • Published
  • By Sarah Swan
  • National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
Visitors of all ages can learn about balloon travel and the properties of air during Family Day from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 15 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

"Storytime" begins at 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. in the Early Years Gallery. Preschool and primary-grade children are invited to sit under the wings of airplanes where they can listen to stories about aviation and do a craft project.

Special on-going demonstrations on rocket guidance systems take place from 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. in the STEM Learning Node next to the Space Shuttle Exhibit in the Cold War Gallery. Each demonstration lasts about 20 minutes and will be repeated continuously during these times.

During another activity, participants can watch launches of tissue-paper model hot air balloons in the museum's second building. This demonstration is open from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

These activities complement the interactive Red Bull Stratos exhibit, which is on display at the museum through March 16. Just over a year ago, Felix Baumgartner ascended to 127,852 feet in a stratospheric balloon and made a freefall jump, rushing toward earth at supersonic speeds before parachuting to the ground. This amazing mission broke world records and holds the potential to provide valuable medical and scientific research data for future pioneers. The exhibit gives visitors the chance to learn first-hand about the Stratos project and get an up-close look at the actual capsule and space suit used in Baumgartner's record-setting mission.

All Family Day activities are free! No advanced reservations are necessary. Call the Education Division at (937) 255-4646 for additional information.

The National Museum of the United States Air Force is located on Springfield Street, six miles northeast of downtown Dayton. It is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day). Admission and parking are free. For more information about the museum, visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.


NOTE TO PUBLIC: For more information, please contact the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Education Division at (937) 255-4646.

NOTE TO MEDIA: For more information, please contact Sarah Swan at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Public Affairs Division at (937) 255-1283.