FFD — INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S AIR & SPACE MUSEUM

FFD – International Women’s Air & Space Museum

We have so many amazing resources available to us in Ohio. I am still baffled by the history of this state and all of our wonderful museums. Many of these museums are relatively low-cost and several even offer free days to the public. Other museums are free to the public all year round. No matter which one, all of our museums promise a delightful time for all ages.

For this Family Fun Day, we chose to highlight one of our museums and their Family (fun) Day!

10th Annual Family Day at the International Women’s Air & Space Museum

The International Women’s Air & Space Museum (IWASM) began as a dream by the Ninety-Nines – an international organization of female pilots, which dates all the way back to the late 1920’s. The Ninety-Nines began collecting memorabilia to preserve the rich heritage and history of women in flight. The museum officially opened its doors to the public in 1986 in Centerville, OH. The original museum was housed in a home that had formerly belonged to a relative of the Wright Brothers. As the collection continues to grow, it was clear the museum needed more space. In 1996, the museum was relocated to the Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland, OH, where it remains today.

Since the museum is located in the terminal of the airport, admission is always free. However, on April 25th, the museum will host its 10th Annual Family Day and will incorporate more events and activities for the entire family. This year’s theme, “Fifi Saves Superman,” features the mascot for the museum and the legendary Superman – who many people forget originated right here in Ohio. While older kids will probably appreciate the museum on a regular day, the Family Day is a great opportunity to introduce your younger kids to the miracle of flight.

Details:

Hours

• Family Day at the International Women’s Air and Space Museum begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m.

Admission

• Since the museum is located in a public building, admission to the museum is always free.

Address

• The museum is located at Burke Lakefront Airport. The address is 1501 North Marginal Road, Cleveland, OH 44114. Exhibits can be found in the lobby and the west concourse.
  

Phone

• If you have any questions, you can contact the International Women’s Air & Space Museum at 216-623-1111.

Tips

• A complete day-to-day gallery guide can be found on their website – iwasm.org.
• There are several permanent exhibits, but the museum frequently welcomes traveling exhibits.
• Special feature for Family Day include the addition of craft stations, games, a LEGO® display, activities and more.

Discussion Points

• While driving over to the museum, ask your kids to name as many famous pilots as they can. Challenge them to learn about a new pilot while at the museum and ask them again on the car ride home.
• Ask your children about the experience of flying. What is it like (or what do they imagine it would be like)? Do they think the feelings where the same back in the 20’s? Why or why not?
• How do original airplanes differ from the ones that fly today? What improvements were made? What improvements would your kids like to see on an airplane?
• Challenge your kids to learn the true story behind the conception of Superman.
• Superman was originally created to be a villain. Can your kids think of any other villains who eventually became heroes?
• Have your children dream up their own superheroes. What sort of super powers would they have?

Ohio truly is the Birthplace of Aviation! Make sure to plan another trip to the museum on December 17th – Wright Brothers’ Day!

Photo Copyright: [BannerWEB]. Retrieved April 14, 2015 from www.iwasm.org.

Photo Copyright: [16086453]. Retrieved April 14, 2015 from www.cleveland.com.

Photo Copyright: [N119-01]. Retrieved April 14, 2015 from en.wikipedia.org.