Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Celebrates Black History Month

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum will celebrate Black History Month with activities at both museum locations and online. “African American Pioneers in Aviation and Space” will be the feature event at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center Feb. 10. Storytimes, hands-on activities and online resources will also be available throughout the month.

 As part of the museum’s annual Heritage Family Day series, “African American Pioneers in Aviation and Space: The Struggle for Equal Access to the Skies” will celebrate Black History Month by revealing past pioneers and giving families the opportunity to inspire the next generation of innovators in aviation and space. With activities for all ages, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in design challenges, enjoy “Flights of Fancy Story Time,” listen to a NASA expert’s presentation on the International Space Station and hear from a panel of members from the aviation and engineering industry.

The Heritage Family Day series is made possible by the support of Northrup Grumman Corp.

During the month of February at the museum on the National Mall, “Flights of Fancy Story Time” will feature books celebrating African American heroes and heritage including “Windflyers” by Angela Johnson and “The Hallelujah Flight” by Phil Bildner.

For all of the museum’s resources and programs celebrating African American history and culture, visit https://airandspace.si.edu/black-history.

The National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located in Chantilly, Va., near Washington Dulles International Airport. The museum building on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., is located at Sixth Street and Independence Avenue S.W. Both facilities are open daily from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. (closed Dec. 25). Admission is free, but there is a $15 fee for parking before 4 p.m. at the Udvar-Hazy Center.

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