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Learn about space exploration during free Family Day on July 18

  • Published
  • By Sarah Swan
  • National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
DAYTON, Ohio --  Commemorate the anniversaries of several milestone space explorations during Family Day from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, July 18 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

Two anniversaries took place on the moon: the first humans landed on the moon with Apollo 11 on July 20, 1969, and Apollo 15 -- with an all Air Force crew -- landed on the moon on July 30, 1971. Visitors can see the Apollo 15 command module in the museum's Missile and Space Gallery!

Throughout the day, visitors can participate in demonstration stations and hands-on activities to learn about space exploration, especially the Apollo missions and the mighty Saturn V moon rocket. Visitors also will be able to tour the Space Shuttle Exhibit before it closes to the public on Aug. 3 in preparation for its move to the museum's new fourth building.

"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 to hear stories and make a space-related craft, courtesy of the Greene County Public Library.

During this month's Aerospace Adventure, participants can make and launch a paper Saturn V rocket. This free activity takes place from 1:30-3 p.m. in the event area near the Korean War Gallery.

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.


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.