|
|
|
The
mission of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum is to "commemorate,
educate and inspire." On October 11, 2003, the museum will celebrate
the upcoming centennial with the new exhibition, The Wright Brothers
& The Invention of the Aerial Age. A thorough presentation of the
Wrights' technical achievements will be paired with a rich examination
of the cultural impact of early powered flight. The centerpiece of
the gallery will be the original 1903 Wright Flyer, displayed on the
ground for the first time since acquired by the Smithsonian in 1948.
Visitors will have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to study up close the
intricate workings of the world's first airplane.
In December 2003, the museum will open its 760,000 square foot
companion facility at the Washington Dulles International Airport
in Northern Virginia. The much anticipated Steven F. Udvar Hazy
Center will house the 80 percent of the unparalleled national collection
that has not been generally accessible to the public.
Gen. J.R. "Jack" Dailey is the director of NASM and serves as chairman
of the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission.
www.nasm.edu
|
|
|
|
|