Black Wings

A look at key figures and events associated with the historical theme of black aviation pioneers. While much of the National Air and Space Museum exhibit looks at figures and events between 1920 and 1945, the SITES exhibition has a broader scope: the post-war era (specifically the reorganization of 332nd and 477th air units); the integration of the armed forces; the Korean and Vietnam wars; expansion of general aviation; commercial aviation; and the involvement of African Americans in the space program.

• Photographic and biographical panels; small objects; video (venue provides equipment)
• Approximately 2,000 square feet
• $10,000 fee per 8-week bookings; early bird discount: $8,000
• Tour begins: February 2011
  

Long May She Wave: A Graphic History of the American Flag

This exhibition assembles hundreds of American flag-related objects and artifacts from the private collection of Kit Hinrichs, one of the world’s leading graphic designers. The extraordinary range of objects and memorabilia presented revisit the American flag’s appeal as a powerful graphic image, giving visitors a fresh look at a unique part of American heritage.

• Tour details to be determined

Remembered Light: Glass Fragments from World War II

Explores stained glass windows created using shards of glass salvaged from the rubble of buildings destroyed during World War II. Collected from 1944 to 1945 by U.S. Army Chaplain Frederick Alexander McDonald, the colorful shards are incorporated into 25 new windows and glass art installations as a peace memorial to the soldiers and civilians who died as a result of the war.

• Tour details to be determined

Suited for Space


How do astronauts breathe, eat, drink, keep warm or cool, communicate, and go to the bathroom in space? This exhibition answers every kid’s (and adult’s) questions with captivating text that explains the design solutions of spacesuits, gloves, and helmets from the National Air and Space Museum.

• Approximately 5–10 objects, plus large-format digital photographs,
  x-rays, text
• Moderate security
• Tour begins: 2011

Where's the Fire?  A Journey Through American Firefighting

Journey through the history of firefighting in America! This exhibition will explore firefighting from the American Revolution through the late 19th Century through a variety of remarkable objects from the collections of the National Museum of American History. Highlighting an impressive collection of model fire trucks, the exhibition will also include historic firefighting equipment: buckets, helmets, trumpets, parade hats, and more. Learn what role firemen – from early volunteer firefighters to members in the first municipal fire departments – played in civic, social, and political life, as well as how major historical fires like the Chicago Fire of 1871 reflect the successes, limitations, and innovations of firefighting at the time.

• Approximately 100 objects, featuring model fire trucks and firefighting equipment including helmets, buckets, trumpets, tools, and parade hats
• Approximately 3,000-3,500 square feet
• Tour begins: Fall 2011