Dinner w/ a Slice of History - Flying Solo: The Jerrie Mock Story | April 17, 2024

The International Women's Air & Space Museum's (IWASM) Dinner with a Slice of History returns in 2024 featuring author Nancy Roe Pimm on Friday, April 19, 2024. "Flying Solo: The Jerrie Mock Story" is made possible thanks to Cuyahoga Arts and Culture (CAC), the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the America 250-Ohio Commission.

Who was the first woman to fly solo around the world? In 1964, Jerrie Mock, a housewife from a small town in Ohio, chased her childhood dream of circling the globe. But the dream soon became a race, as another woman, Joan Merriam Smith, also sought to be the first. Come aboard and take a seat in the cockpit as Jerrie soars over deserts and oceans. Cheer her on as she overcomes high winds, wing ice, mechanical failure, a pushy husband, and perhaps even sabotage. After flying for nearly twenty-three thousand miles, she landed back in Columbus Ohio on April 17,1964.

Attendees will learn about Mock's historic flight, explore her contemporaries, and understand her lasting legacy for women in aviation. Make sure to arrive at the museum a little early to explore the new exhibit Around the World set to open in time for the event at the International Women's Air & Space Museum.

Murder Mystery at the Museum | Saturday, March 23, 2024, 6:00 p.m. EDT

It all started with good intentions. Lois and Hy Price were excited to welcome their friends and neighbors to watch the historic 1969 Moon Landing. The party was all going according to plan...that is until someone mysteriously turns up dead. Was it a jilted lover? An honest mistake? Or something more nefarious? Test your sleuthing know-how to solve this murder mystery at the museum!

Our visiting actors from Roving Rogue Productions will play both the murder suspects, who lurk among the crowd as friends and peers, and the detective, a noble woman tasked with solving this terrible crime. Your role is that of nosy neighbor – as you meander through the event, you’ll ask questions of the suspects and try to aid the detective in solving the crime before the murderer strikes again.

Join the International Women's Air & Space Museum as we work to find the culprit of this heinous crime. No one should besmirch the excitement of this historic aerospace event! While you think of good questions to get at the truth, enjoy 1960s-inspired refreshments, reserved seating, engaging activities, raffle, and more. This inaugural Murder Mystery at the Museum benefits IWASM ongoing exhibit enhancement initiative.

Life in the Air Begins & Ends on the Ground

Friday, October 13, 2023 6-7:30 p.m. EST

Life in the air begins and ends on the ground. Before takeoff or flight, an idea, dream, or thought will become a concept to make life better or easier or give a greater advantage than currently available for aviation. It takes a lot of intelligent and dedicated people to help 

move this idea to reality. Hundreds of people are involved in developing an airplane, helicopters, rockets, and missiles. Join Dr. Claudette Owens and U.S. Army Colonel (ret.) Mary Miller as they shed light on the numerous behind-the-scenes activities of aviation 'she-roes' who provide 'life' to aviation based on their combined experiences with the US Army Space & Missile Defense Command and their continued work toward innovation.

  **Thanks to Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, Signature Flight Support, the American Institute for Avionics & Astronautics Northern Ohio Section (AIAA-NOS), and the Bede Family Foundation for making this event possible.

Dinner w/ a Slice of History: "The New Space Age" featuring NASA Astronaut Kathy Sullivan

Friday, September 15, 2023

IWASM inside Burke Lakefront Airport & via Zoom

The new Space Age we’re in is about much more than short tourist hops to the edge of space. The number of spacefaring nations has grown substantially, a plethora of start-up companies has entered the arena, new business models are emerging and venture capital investment is rising. This talk provides an overview of the big changes afoot and digs below the headlines to reveal some of the major hurdles and big unknowns that lie ahead.

Selected in the NASA astronaut class of 1978, becoming one of the first female astronauts, oceanographer, geologist, author, and trailblazer Kathryn Sullivan joins the International Women's Air and Space Museum on Friday, September 15. A veteran of three Space Shuttle Missions, and the first American woman to do a spacewalk, Sullivan will explore the new era of our space program.

Corks on the Concourse

Friday, September 1, 2023

Corks on the Concourse (aka Corks) has been IWASM’s annual fundraising event coinciding with the start of the Cleveland National Air Show weekend welcoming thousands to Burke Lakefront Airport. Corks invites local wineries, businesses, and organizations to this engaging, community event that provides crucial support to IWASM’s work and inspires the next generation of aviation and aerospace enthusiasts.

Engage in an exclusive wine-tasting experience. Test your trivia knowledge with special lightening round prizes, and join us as we honor our 2nd Annual Lifetime Achievement Award winner: Sarah Byrn Rickman.

All proceeds benefit IWASM's educational programs and preservation efforts.

Thank you to the 2023 sponsors: The Energy Producer and Impressia Bank-a bank by women for women.

Rocket Day 2023

Friday, June 16, 2023 

IWASM at Burke Lakefront Airport

60 years ago on June 16, Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space. 40 years ago, American Sally Ride became the country's first woman in space. As a way to celebrate, join us for Rocket Day at the International Women's Air & Space Museum! 

The team at the museum and our dedicated volunteers have been hard at work creating a safe and engaging program. Learn about the physics behind rocket and jet propulsion!

Coffee & Collections

Friday, May 12, 2023 

IWASM at Burke Lakefront Airport

In its nearly 70-year history, the Whirly Girls have welcomed over 2,000 members from 44 countries, awarded scholarships, facilitated networking opportunities, provided mentoring, and created a strong global community for female helicopter pilots. 

Join IWASM Collections Manager, Liz Konopka, to explore items from the museum collections in this exclusive event! Coffee and goodies provided by Phoenix Coffee Co.!

Trivia Night @ Southern Tier Brewing Cleveland

Tuesday, April 20, 2023

Join the International Women’s Air & Space Museum for trivia night at Southern Tier Brewing (STC). Questions will cover three of our favorite things: SPACE, MUSEUMS, and CLEVELAND!

Trivia is raising money for IWASM's educational programs! Your participation and support keeps programming costs low for our k-12 students.

We will have prizes between rounds with a grand finale team/individual prize: a $100 Amazon gift card, 1 one year membership to the museum, and a special something from our hosts, Southern Tier Brewing Cleveland. Total value of over $200!

Dinner w/ a Slice of History The Groundbreaking Experience of Sandra Durbin

March 24, 2023 

Dinner with a Slice of History is a program made possible through a Cuyahoga Arts and Culture (CAC) grant.

Sandra Durbin joined the U.S. Navy in 1966 and after boot camp, had a choice: Air Traffic Controller or Electronics Technician. After careful and strategic consideration, she chose Air Traffic Control School becoming the first Black female Air Traffic Controller in the U.S. Navy, while simultaneously becoming the first in the United States.

On Friday, March 24, Durbin joins the International Women’s Air & Space Museum to explore her groundbreaking career and service at both Naval Air Stations Pensacola and North Island. She will also share her post-military service activities and her work as the 2022-2023 California AMVETS Commander engaging with and serving fellow veterans.

Dinner w/ a Slice of History Stars in the Sky: Casey Grant's Story

February 24, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. EST

Join IWASM as we welcome Casey Grant back for our 2023 Dinner with a Slice of History series. Grant will share her story as one of Delta Airlines’ first Black female flight attendant and share her new project – International Black Aviation Day (IBAD). IBAD honors Black pioneers in aviation for their courage and perseverance that helped open doors for people of color to pursue careers in  aviation. Since her last visit to IWASM in 2015, Grant has written three award-winning books: Stars in the Sky, a coloring book Stars and Beyond, and a young readers’ educational book Stars and Beyond.

Women in the Armed Forces: An Exploration of WWII and Beyond

November 10, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. (EDT)

During World War II, 1,102 American women flew as part of the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) - a blend of the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) and the Women's Flying Training Detachment (WFTD). During the war, women also served in various other roles as well – not just pilots. Now, more than 77 years since the WASP were disbanded, more is still being rediscovered about women’s U.S. military roles.

In honor of Veteran’s Day, join International Women’s Air & Space Museum Executive Director Sara Fisher as she explores and shares the contributions of women in the military. Learn about the leaders, participants, trailblazers, and the changing face of the U.S. military since the Second World War, and the obstacles they faced with particular attention to women in air and space.

Dinner with a Slice of History Flying Over the Himalayas - The Story of Rebecca Chan Chung

October 7, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. (EDT)

The International Women's Air & Space Museum (IWASM) is pleased to announce the return of Dinner with a Slice of History, a program made possible through a Cuyahoga Arts and Culture (CAC) grant.

Deborah Chung's late mother, Rebecca Chan Chung (1920-2011), was a U.S. World War II Army veteran having worked as a nurse with the Flying Tigers during the Battle for Hong Kong. For her service, she was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. As a nurse, Rebecca Chan Chung’s work included flying over the Hump for about 50 times—considered the most dangerous in the history of aviation. Numerous lives were lost due to plane crashes, insecurity of attacks by Japanese fighters and unpredictable weather. Rebecca's story and experience was necessary, because the Burma Road that crossed the Himalayas had been cut and the eastern seaboard of China had been closed by Japan. Hear about Rebecca Chan Chung's legacy and trailblazing experience as an aerial nurse during World War II.

Deborah Chung is a professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Buffalo. In 2021, she was named #1 in the world in the field of Building and Construction by a Stanford University study. She earned a M.S. in Engineering from the California Institute of Technology (1973) and PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1977).

Dinner begins promptly at 6:00 p.m. EST.

Program begins promptly at 6:30 p.m. EST

Registration Information

Registration is required prior to the event.

• Non-IWASM members - $25
• IWASM members - $15
• Get Tickets & Join IWASM for 1 year - $55
• Virtual -- minimum $5 donation

In person tickets include admittance to the program, and a boxed dinner.

When registering, consider donating to IWASM. Even $5 will go toward furthering the museum's mission, activities, and services. Donations are non-refundable.

Space is limited for the program. Registrations made via check can be sent to: 1501 N Marginal Rd. Ste 165, Cleveland, OH 44114 and must be received no later than October 4.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Wings of Women (WOW) STEM Conference

Join the International Women's Air & Space Museum (IWASM) and our partners, College Now Greater Cleveland, for the annual free Wings of Women STEM Conference (WOW).

Event Details

Saturday, October 8, 2022

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Burke Lakefront Airport/IWASM

1501 N Marginal Rd

Cleveland, OH 44114

Held at the museum on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 8:00-2:00, the event connects current high school girls (14-18 y/o) with women in various Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math fields.

1. DOWNLOAD THE STUDENT PERMISSIONS FORM

2. CLICK TO APPLY NOW!

The 2022 event welcomes Dr. Deborah Chung, professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Buffalo as the keynote. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided thanks to event sponsors: Signature Flight Support and the American Institute of Avionics and Astronautics (AIAA) Northern Ohio Section.

Application Criteria

All information is required for consideration. All applicants will receive a confirmation email and will be notified of status within one (1) week of submission. Application deadline is October 5, 2022 by 4:00 p.m. EDT. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted. Space is limited.

 

Questions

For questions, contact Sara Fisher (she/her) IWASM Executive Director at: director@iwasm.org or call 216.623.1111.

Corks on the Concourse 2022

Friday, September 2, 2022 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. EDT.  IWASM is pleased to announce the much-anticipated return of Corks on the Concourse! This signature event takes place at Burke Lakefront Airport the day before the return of the Cleveland National Air Show. IWASM is excited to welcome this year's official DJ and emcee, The Energy Producer!

Trivia Night @ Southern Tier Brewing

Tuesday, April 26, 2022 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. EDT

811 Prospect Ave East, Cleveland, OH 44115

Join the International Women’s Air & Space Museum for trivia night at Southern Tier Brewing (STC). Questions will cover three of our favorite things: SPACE, MUSEUMS, and CLEVELAND!

Trivia is raising money for our new exhibit, Quest for the Stars opening in October sharing the stories of women in NASA's early space program. We will have prizes between rounds with a grand finale team/individual prize: a $100 Amazon gift card, 1 one year membership to the museum, and a special something from our hosts, Southern Tier Brewing Cleveland. Total value of over $200!

Registration cost:

• Early Bird (until 4/12): $17/person
• General Admission: $20/person

Grab some friends, form a team, or compete on your own. It's up to you! Make sure to try out the Amelia Beerhart special, limited edition strawberry ale brewed in collaboration with IWASM and STC! Make sure to bring some extra cash for lightening round raffles, contests, and more.

DOORS: 6 PM; TRIVIA START: 6:30 PM

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Rocket Day 2022!

Thursday, June 16, 2022

IWASM at Burke Lakefront Airport

59 years ago on June 16, Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space. 39 years ago, American Sally Ride became the country's first woman in space. As a way to celebrate, join us for Rocket Day at the International Women's Air & Space Museum!

The team at the museum and our dedicated volunteers have been hard at work creating a safe and engaging program. Learn about the physics behind rocket and jet propulsion!

• Session I @ 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

• Session II @ 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Registration Information:

• Early Bird (by June 9, 2022) - $2.00/person
• Full Cost (June 9 - June 16) - $3.00/person

Ensuring Health & Safety

IWASM is following all state, local and federal recommendations to ensure everyone's health and safety. This year's event will occur outside only in the parking lot at Burke Lakefront Airport. Rain-date will be June 23.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Dinner with a Slice of History Researching Black Women in Aviation: Barriers & Breakthroughs

Exclusive Book Launch: Teresa James WAFS Pilot by Sarah Rickman

Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. EDT (via ZOOM)

During World War II, the WASP – Women Airforce Service Pilots included a blend of two groups - the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) and the Women's Flying Training Detachment (WFTD). Hear from critically-acclaimed author, Sarah Rickman as she releases her newest book Teresa James WAFS Pilot: Gear Up/Gear Down - a P-47 to Newark on October 20, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.

In this exclusive book launch, Rickman joins the International Women's Air & Space Museum as she discusses her experiences interviewing Teresa James in 1999 and James's experiences flying during the Second World War.

Registration is required. Attendees will receive a Zoom link to join the program. The event will be recorded and made available to participants at a later date. Cost is a suggested $10 minimum donation which goes to directly support the International Women's Air & Space Museum.

At the time of registration, get your copy of Rickman's newest book and snag an exclusive bundle deal for all Young Adult books! Also available is Rickman's advanced reader The Originals: The Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron.

• Teresa James WAFS Pilot - $17.95 (includes S&H)
• Young Adult Bundle - $52.00 (includes S&H)
• The Originals - $29.95 (includes S&H)

Women in the Armed Forces: From WWII and Beyond

Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom

During World War II, 1,102 American women flew as part of the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) - a blend of the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) and the Women's Flying Training Detachment (WFTD). During the war, women also served in various other roles as well – not just pilots. However, more than 77 years since the WASP were disbanded, more is still being re-discovered about women's roles in the U.S. Military. In honor of Veteran's Day, join International Women's Air & Space Museum Executive Director Sara Fisher as she explores and shares the contributions of women in the military. Learn about the leaders, participants, and trailblazers in the changing face of the U.S. military since the Second World War and the obstacles they faced with particular attention to women in air and space.

This event is in partnership with the Liverpool (NY) Public Library. The event is free and open to the public. Registration required, and all participants will receive a Zoom link to attend.

"Diary of an Apprentice Astronaut" Book Discussion - (VIRTUAL)

October 17 2021 at 1:00 p.m. (EDT) via Zoom

Join IWASM and Loganberry Books as they welcome Astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti for a special virtual event on Sunday, October 17, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. EDT. She will discuss her book Diary of an Apprentice Astronaut in a conversation moderated by IWASM Trustee and Space Advisor, Marcy Frumker. Selected in the 2009 European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut class, the Italian Cristoforetti is set to launch aboard the SpaceX Crew-4 mission in spring 2022. She will become the first ESA female commander of the International Space Station (ISS) during her upcoming space flight next year. During her first mission in 2014, Cristoforetti spent 200 days in space – setting the record for longest duration in space by a female astronaut at the time. In her book, she provides an intimate account of her first journey to the ISS, and guides the reader through becoming apprentice astronauts themselves.

The event will take place via Zoom. Registration is required and all participants will receive a Zoom link to join.

Buy the Book!

Buy and support your local bookstores! Books may be purchased ahead of time at the time of registration through Loganberry Books. IWASM members will receive 10% discount with promo code IWASM good through October 31, 2021.

July 20, 2021 beginning at 7:30 a.m. (EDT) via Zoom and Facebook

Join IWASM as we celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Mercury 13, and Wally Funk's next record-setting flight! On Tuesday, July 20 starting at 7:30 a.m. EDT, coverage begins of the Blue Origin launch. Wally Funk, the youngest participant of the 1961 Women in Space Program will finally achieve her life-long dream of space exploration. To celebrate, the museum will host a series of virtual programs via Zoom and streamed to Facebook. 

1. 7:30 a.m. EDT - Live coverage from Blue Origin (Facebook only)
2. 8:00 a.m. EDT - Legacy of the Mercury 13 presented by Marcy Frumker
   • Join IWASM Trustee and Space Advisor, Marcy Frumker explore the lasting legacy of the Mercury 13. Learn about the role these women played in the history of the American space program, and how they paved the way for current roles within space and NASA. This event is part of the celebration for Wally Funk, the youngest participant in the Mercury 13 in 1961, finally realizing her life-long dream as she launched aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket.The event will be recorded and live streamed to Facebook. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
3. 1:00 p.m. EDT - Hear some never-before-seen interviews with Wally Funk.
   • Join IWASM Space Advisor for the reveal of never-before-seen interviews with Wally Funk conducted in 2019 during her visit to the museum. Learn about her accomplishments, legacy, and her impact on the worlds of aviation and aerospace.Registration is required, and is free and open to the public. The program will be recorded and live streamed to Facebook. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

July 28, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. (EDT) via Zoom *adjust for timezones accordingly

During World War II, 1,102 American women flew as part of the WASP. Women played important, and oftentimes understated roles during the Second World War. In this program attendees will join International Women's Air & Space Museum Executive Director Sara Fisher as she explores the vital roles women played during the global conflict. From manufacturing to nursing, to research and other facets of aviation, this program will shine a light on not only American women's experiences during the war and aviation, but international connections.

The event is free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated as they enable IWASM to continue its vital work of providing relevant, engaging, and accessible programs for all.

Registration is required. Attendees will receive a Zoom link to join the program. The event will be recorded and made available to participants at a later date.

This event is in conjunction with the Women at War: The Women Airforce Service Pilots exhibit currently on loan to California Aeronautical University.