SEATTLE, March 12, 2010
 
Wells Fargo Free First Thursday
Thursday, April 1, 5 - 9 p.m.
Once a month, the Museum stays open late-and admission is free! Enjoy the Museum's T.A. Wilson Great Gallery, J. Elroy McCaw Personal Courage Wing, Space: Exploring the New Frontier exhibit, and In Search of Amelia Earhart. Also enjoy the flight simulators and more from 5 - 9 p.m., courtesy of Wells Fargo. Museum Store and Wings Café will also remain open for the extended hours on this night. 
 
Bank of America Weekend Family Workshop: Kites on the Fly!
Saturdays and Sundays, April 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 11:15 a.m and 1:15 p.m.
Did you know that people have been flying kites for over 2,000 years? From delicate kites made out of leaves to unique kites used for fishing to large kites that can actually lift people into the air, the kite has played an important role in aviation history. Visitors are invited to hear the story of these incredible yet simple flying objects, then make and decorate their own kite to fly at home!
 
"23rd Fighter Group - Chennault's Sharks" Lecture and Book Signing with Carl Molesworth
Saturday, April 3, 2:00 p.m.
William M. Allen Theater
Successor to the World War II's legendary "Flying Tigers" American Volunteer Group, the 23rd Fighter Group was distinguished for its impressive combat record over China. Mt. Vernon, Wash. author Carl Molesworth chronicles this record in his 2009 book, "23rd Fighter Group -  Chennault's Sharks." Molesworth's presentation at the Museum will recall the 23rd Fighter Group's exciting missions and the impact they had on the war in China. Molesworth is  the author of nine books on World War II fighter operations. He will field audience questions and sign his books after the presentation.
 
The Vietnam Air War Experience - A panel discussion as prelude to the Seattle Opera's world premier of "Amelia"
Saturday, April 10, 2:00 p.m.
William M. Allen Theater
The Museum of Flight has partnered with the Seattle Opera to offer audiences an historical perspective on the Vietnam War story in the opera, "Amelia," with panel discussions featuring American veterans of the Vietnam War. In this presentation, veterans Jim Platt, Doug Clark and Don Scott will share their experiences. Susan Hutchison, former television news anchor and currently executive director of Charles Simonyi Fund for the Arts and Sciences, will moderate the discussion. Opening May 8, the Seattle Opera's original production of a new opera, "Amelia," weaves a woman's emotional journey, the American experience in Vietnam, and elements of myth and history to explore our fascination with flight. 
 
"Robots versus Humans in Spaceflight: Technology, Evolution, and Interplanetary Travel" -  Lecture with Dr. Roger Launius
Thursday, April 15, 7:00 p.m.
William M. Allen Theater
Chair of the Division of Space History, National Air and Space Museum and former Chief Historian at NASA, Dr. Roger Launius will make a presentation based on a recent book that explores the history and possible futures for human/robotic spaceflight, "Imagining Space: Achievements, Possibilities, Predictions, 1950-2050."Admission $10 general public, $5 Museum members.

"Perspectives on the Past, Present and Future of Human Spaceflight" - Lecture with Dr. Roger Launius
Saturday, April 17, 2:00 p.m.
William M. Allen Theater
Chair of the Division of Space History, National Air and SpaceMuseum and former Chief Historian at NASA, Dr. Roger Launius will explore the history of spaceflight during the past fifty years and offer comments on the core challenges for future exploration. Those challenges include political will; cheap, reliable access to space; smart robotics; protecting this planet and this species; and exploration of the Moon and Mars.
 
Hops and Props
Saturday, April 24, 7 - 10 p.m.
Now in its eigth year, "Hops and Props" combines the Museum's exciting environment with the best of brews, music by the Dudley Manlove Quartet and catered food from Catering by McCormick and Schmick's. Over 50 breweries will be on hand, so guests can sample the finest examples of the brewers' art while expert brew masters answer their every question.Tickets for this event are sold out. Designated driver tickets will be available in the Museum Store the night of the event. All attendees must be 21+ years of age. Valid photo identification required for entry.
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The non-profit Museum of Flight is one of the largest independent air and space museums in the world. The Museum's collection includes more than 150 historically significant air- and spacecraft, as well as the William E. Boeing Red Barn® - the original manufacturing facility of the Boeing Co. The J. Elroy McCaw Personal Courage Wing displays 28 World War I and World War II aircraft from the United States and other countries including Germany, Russia, and Japan. Over 30 aircraft representing the first century of aviation are displayed in the all-glass T.A. Wilson Great Gallery. The evolution of space flight and a look into the future are presented in the exhibit, Space: Exploring the New Frontier. The Airpark includes outdoor displays including the first jet Air Force One, a supersonic Concorde airliner and the prototype Boeing 747 jumbo jet. Interactive displays in The Flight Zone provide educational and entertaining activities for young children. The Museum's aeronautical library and archival holdings are the largest on the West Coast. More than 140,000 students are served annually by the Museum's on-site and outreach educational programs--the most extensive museum-based youth aviation and space education program in the country. The Museum is the only air and space museum in Washington State that is both nationally accredited with the American Association of Museums and a Smithsonian affiliate.
 
The Museum of Flight is located at 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle, Exit 158 off Interstate 5 on Boeing Field half-way between downtown Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for active military, $8 for youth 5 to 17, and free for children under 5. Group rates are available. Admission on the first Thursday of the month is free from 5 to 9 p.m. courtesy of Wells Fargo. For general Museum information, please call 206-764-5720 or visit www.museumofflight.org.
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Tara Cashman
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