WINDSOR LOCKS, CONN. – The New England Air Museum adjacent to Bradley International Airport will celebrate National Aviation Day on Aug. 19.
On this day, which coincides with Orville Wright’s birthday, activities include boarding the museum’s newest display aircraft, the HU-25 Coast Guard Falcon; designing a glider built around a straw that will fly the longest distance possible in a straight line; and taking a behind-the-scenes tour of the Restoration Hangar for a close look at the current major projects including the P-51 Mustang, DC-3 airliner and the Burnelli CBY-3.
Visitors will meet the volunteers who are working on these aircraft, and they will also get to take a look inside the museum’s 22,000-square-foot storage hangar is filled with vintage aircraft.
Additionally they will be greeted by a re-enactor portraying Orville Wright, and youngsters will get a chance to fly the original Wright Flyer simulator.
Also, there will be two presentations of the play PAPER AIRPLANES, an original museum production. The play tells the story of Mary Goodrich Jenson, Connecticut’s first license female pilot.
In honor of Orville’s birthday, birthday cake will be served to all.
The museum will be open from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is $12 for ages 12 and up, $11 for seniors 65 and up and $6.50 for ages 4 to 11. Children under 3 are admitted free.
For more information: NEAM.org