We acknowledge that achieving inclusion for all members of our community is a journey and that we must take active steps to move forward on this journey to be a good community member and fulfill our institutional mission and vision.
Background
In the past, both in aviation and in our museum, the contributions made by women, people of color, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups were not given their due. Today, many people from marginalized communities struggle to become pilots and engineers or play different roles in the aerospace industry because of structural and perceptual barriers. We must use our collection, exhibits, and programming to tell the rich, diverse, and sometimes uncomfortable history of aviation and space exploration as a window into the past and future.
The Museum of Flight hopes to do its part to inspire and support all people, especially those who might find it challenging to find inspiration and support elsewhere. Change is a slow process, and we intend to work toward being more inclusive in our exhibits, programming, and practices for many years to come. Though we know we have a long way to go, we already have some programs in place to help inspire and support those who are underrepresented in the aerospace industry. We also have programs to facilitate the enjoyment of the museum experience for those who might have difficulty accessing it. Programs with fees have scholarships available.
Please see our STATEMENT below.
Our Collections
Members of our wonderful collections team have looked at the composition of our collection. They acknowledge that though we get many donations, they often do not reflect the lives of people involved in aviation from marginalized communities. We are therefore s asking for donations that specifically relate to people from these communities who have been involved in the aerospace industry.
Ongoing Work
Our ongoing work continues with the following:
- Diversity and Inclusion training for all staff and volunteers
- Revitalizing our exhibit spaces to be more inclusive of diverse stories, which began with the WWII Gallery in 2020
- Improving ADA access
Please See our Calendar of Events* for ongoing programming that reflects our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion.
Michael P. Anderson Memorial Aerospace Program
Playing the Past
Women Fly
Touch the Sky
(tours for the blind; temporarily suspended due to coronavirus restrictions—see Calendar for updates)
Amelia’s Aero Club
Diversity in the Skies Tour
YouTube
Museum of Flight at Home Virtual Tours
Free First Thursday
(temporarily suspended—see Calendar for updates)
Foster Family Admission Discount
Caretakers for Persons with Disabilities get in free
Connections
Podcast
Blog
Sensory Day
(temporarily suspended—see Calendar for updates)
Audio Guides
*Subject to coronavirus restrictions at this time, please see Calendar of Events for updates when there are back on the schedule
The Museum of Flight is dedicated to providing a welcoming experience for all visitors, staff, volunteers, learners, and community members. We respect, celebrate, and honor all people and the unique perspective they bring to our institution. All voices are valued and heard and all people are seen and respected. Diversity, inclusion, equity and cultural responsiveness are part of everything we do and we are committed to building an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all.
The Museum of Flight has a bold vision. In our pursuit “to be the foremost educational air and space museum in the world,” we see the need to expand our knowledge and celebration of all people and the unique experiences and perspectives they bring. We are dedicated to building an institution that truly reflects our diverse community. Our dedication is not only for the community in which we live and work, but also the communities we serve. We are proud of our roots and strong ties to the aviation and space communities of the Puget Sound region. This region has an aerospace history that goes back over one hundred years. As much as we honor our heritage, we cannot be limited by it. As we continue to inspire people from around the globe, we are committed to exceptional visitor experiences, education, and opportunities for all - regardless of race and ethnicity; citizenship status, languages spoken, political beliefs, age and generation; gender and gender identity; sexual orientation; religious and spiritual beliefs; disability and ability; and socioeconomic status and background. In everything we do, from the artifacts we curate to the people we employ, from the programs we teach to the exhibits we display, The Museum of Flight values the diversity of our world.
Our commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and cultural responsiveness is unwavering. Our progress will be a journey. One that we are proud to have begun and will continue to pursue with you – our employees, volunteers, board members, visitors, guests, learners, partners, and community members. We ask you to hold us accountable and to continuously challenge our thinking, programs, and strategies so every person has a sense of belonging at The Museum of Flight.
Diversity: Diversity includes all the differences that make each individual person unique. This includes our individual backgrounds and experiences and the distinctive perspectives that we each have. Beyond race and ethnicity, national origin and religion, gender identity and expression or sexual orientation; diversity includes our age, socio-economic status, language differences, physical or mental abilities, educational experiences, political beliefs, cultural identity and family upbringing. Each and every experience we have had makes us different from one another.
Inclusion: Inclusion is the deliberate act of including all and others in activities. It is the thoughtful and careful planning that creates an environment to which people can bring their authentic self and be their best. Diversity IS… Inclusion must be created.
Equity: Equity is a deliberate approach toward ensure that everyone has access to the same opportunities. Our differences may sometimes create barriers and can result in uneven starting places. Equity is a process that seeks to level the playing field and provide all people with the same opportunity to contribute and prosper.
Cultural Responsiveness: Cultural Responsiveness is the act of recognizing, understanding, learning, and gaining insight into issues faced by different cultures. It is the act of self-reflection of our own cultural norms and how they can shape and influence our attitudes and actions towards others.
Inclusion is a learning process. We can be knowledgeable and socially aware, but we don’t know everything. Please help us learn more by sharing how you think the Museum can demonstrate inclusion and accessibility by emailing us at Equity@museumofflight.org.
