Events

Upcoming Events

 
 The International Women’s Air & Space Museum (IWASM) will host a FREE teacher workshop on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. Teachers interested in learning about exciting primary and secondary sources, activities, and experience sample lessons developed by the IWASM team to use in the classroom are encouraged to register.

 

Women’s lasting impact permeates every facet of our collective history and the arts. Lesser-known roles of Katharine Wright, Cleveland’s own NACA site as far back as 1915 (the predecessor to NASA), the Curtiss-Wright Cadettes, and so many more are integral to understanding where we’ve come and where we will go in the future as a state and a nation. The workshop is made possible with grant support from the America 250-Ohio Commission, the Ohio Humanities, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Event Details

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Burke Lakefront Airport/IWASM | 1501 N Marginal Rd |Cleveland, OH 44114

What to Expect

  • Strategically developed sample lesson and resources for grades 7-12.
  • Materials available encouraging cross-curricular humanities studies (especially English and Social Studies).
  • Hands-on practical application opportunities led by facilitators with years of experience in and out of the classroom.
  • The opportunity to inform and influence the next phase in this initiative to better serve YOU - the teachers!

How to Sign Up

Registration is required, and is FREE thanks to support from the America 250-Ohio Commission! To register, click https://forms.gle/nitvG3rCxz2Raysz7 or visit www.iwasm.org/events. Deadline is October 24.

Click Here to Complete the Permissions Form for You & Your Principal

Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, and a packet of resources. Upon completion of the workshop, each participant will receive a certificate of accomplishment.

Event Schedule

Event Schedule*
8:15     | Registration, continental breakfast provided
8:30     | Welcome & Orientation
9:00     | Session 1, History of Women in Air & Space: Exploring the “Hidden” Histories in Your Own Backyard
10:00   | Break
10:10   | Museum Tour & Behind the Scenes of IWASM Archive
11:00   | Session 2, A Roaring 20s for Women in Aviation: A Sample Lesson and Activity
12:00   | Lunch provided
12:45   | Session 3, Maximizing Your Student’s Success: Ohio History Day Opportunities
1:45     | Closing Thoughts, Resources, Networking
2:15     | Adjourn
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Dinner w/ a Slice of History - The Future of Space: A Cosmic Conversation with NASA's Johnson Space Center Director, Vanessa Wyche | November 1, 2024

IWASM is pleased to announce its upcoming Dinner with a Slice of History program on November 1, 2024. Featuring NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JCS) Director, Vanessa Wyche, this program will explore JSC’s historic impact on human space flight, glimpse the future of space, and more. The Dinner with a Slice of History series is made possible in part thanks to Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and Signature Flight Support.

NASA’S Johnson Space Center has served as the iconic setting to some of humankind’s greatest achievements. For more than 60 years, as part of NASA’s nationwide team, Johnson has led the world in human space exploration and plays an integral role in enabling commercial industry to build, own, and operate space systems. In this Dinner with a Slice of History, Johnson’s Director Vanessa Wyche will give attendees a glimpse of the future of space, including our nation’s return to the Moon through NASA’s Artemis program, and share her perspective as the director of the hub of human exploration.

CLICK HERE to reserve your spot today!

Registration for the program is required. In-person tickets include dinner before the event for $15 per person (the cost of the meal). Students are free with student ID, and promo code. Virtual tickets require a minimum donation of $10.

Dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the program starting at 6:00 p.m. EDT. To register, visit www.iwasm.org or call 216-623-1111. The deadline to register for in-person is October 31. For more information, contact the museum or email info@iwasm.org.


Past Events

Corks on the Concourse 2024 | August 30, 2024

Commonly referred to as "Corks," this event 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.

PLATINUM SPONSOR:

 

 

 

Rocket Day 2024 | June 13, 2024

61 years ago on June 16, Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space. 41 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! 

3rd Annual Trivia Night at Southern Tier Brewing-Cleveland | April 30, 2024

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.

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.
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

March 25, 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.

When Bessie Coleman made her U.S. barnstorming debut in 1922, her exhibition flights inspired more African Americans to become aviators. Over the next few decades, Black women took to the skies, earned licenses, and did their best to integrate the burgeoning aviation industry. The challenges of researching these women often keeps them out of the history books. Piecing together their stories takes time, energy, perseverance, and trust. In this program IWASM welcomes U.S. Air Force (ret.) and cultural historian Monica Smith to discuss her mission to document and share the stories of these remarkable women.

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.

Corks on the Concourse Returns for 2021!

Friday, September 3, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. EDT
IWASM is pleased to announce the much-anticipated return of Corks on the Concourse! This signature event will take place at Burke Lakefront Airport the day before the return of the Cleveland National Air Show. This year, we will host the event both in person and virtually. The decision to host a hybrid event was easy as we know folks have enjoyed engaging with the museum in fun, new, and exciting ways from where they are across the globe.

 

 

Dinner with a Slice of History World War II Women in Aviation: An Exploration in Leadership

September 17, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. (EDT)
1501 N Marginal Rd, Cleveland, OH - Burke Lakefront Airport

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.

During the Second World War, the Soviet Union and United States established segregated organizations for the purpose of recruiting and training women for aviation duties. In both nations, it was individuals, rather than the military establishment, who proposed and developed plans for the use of women aviators. The women who spearheaded those efforts had dramatically different leadership styles, from Marina Raskova’s quiet, businesslike, and approachable character, to Jacqueline Cochran’s brash, forceful, and sometimes antagonistic nature. Yet they employed strikingly similar methods to achieve their goals. In this presentation, Professor Reina Pennington will examine the parallels and differences in the lives and achievements of these two remarkable women.

Pennington is a former Air Force intelligence officer; she served as a Soviet analyst with F-4 and F-16 fighter squadrons, the Aggressor Squadrons, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the Alaskan Air Command. She is the author of Wings, Women and War: Soviet Airwomen in World War II Combat, and is presently working on a book entitled What Russia Can Teach Us About War.

WALLY FUNK MAKES HISTORY - A Day of Live Virtual Programs in Celebration

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.

Women in WWII Aviation

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.

A Brief History of the Women Airforce Service Pilots

July 7, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. (EDT) via Zoom

During World War II, 1,102 American women flew as part of the WASP – Women Airforce Service Pilots – and were a blend of two groups. In the Fall of 1942, Nancy Love formed and led the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) comprised of 28 women who each had a minimum of 500 flying hours. That same year, Jacqueline Cochran was authorized to recruit female pilots to fly Army trainers and were dubbed the Women’s Flying Training Detachment (WFTD). By the summer of 1943, Cochran was appointed Director of all Women Pilots and renamed the WAFS and WFTD as the Women Airforce Service Pilots. Join acclaimed author and IWASM advisor, Sarah Rickman, to learn more about the individuals who made up the WAFS and WASP in an evening of discussion and viewing of the film Six WAFS Up Close and Personal which tells the story of the original 28 WAFS.

This event is in conjunction with the Women at War: The Women Airforce Service Pilots exhibit currently on loan to California Aeronautical University. To learn more, visit www.iwasm.org or email info@iwasm.org.

Defying the Odds: Exploring the Impact of Women and Aviation in the First Half of the 20th Century - VIRTUAL EXHIBIT OPENING

June 30, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. (EDT) via Zoom
Join IWASM staff and Ohio History Service Corps members as we unveil the museum's newest virtual exhibit. Learn about the lives of women like Katherine Sui Fun Cheung, Bessie Coleman, Hazel Ying Lee, and Lotfia El Nadi, and others, the context in which they broke barriers, and hear about the future initiatives to showcase the history of women in air and space. While the guest curators touch on just a handful of women from across the globe, this is the first installment in IWASM's slate of new and appealing ways we are engaging our communities.

 

Rocket Day 2021
June 16, 2021

Session I @ 10:30 a.m. ; Session II @ 1:00 p.m.

58 years ago on June 16, Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space. As a way to celebrate, join us for the long-awaited return on Rocket Day at IWASM! 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!
Masks and social distancing will be required. Space will be limited. Participants will be provided with detailed information to prepare for this in-person, outdoor event.
Registration Information:
  • Early Bird (by June 9, 2021) - $2.00/person
  • Full Cost (June 9 - June 16) - $3.00/person

History of Women in Aviation with Geauga Parks's Skywatcher's Club
April 5, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. (EDT) via Zoom
During this program, join International Women's Air & Space Museum's Executive Director Sara Fisher as we explore the role of women in aviation and aerospace. Participants will learn about their accomplishments, obstacles, and their enduring legacy in all areas of aviation and aerospace. From the first woman to solo a balloon in the 18th century to Bessie Coleman's dream to establish a flight school to the women who briefly called the International Space Station home, this program provides a glimpse into lesser known histories.

The event is FREE and open to the public. Registration is required, and all participants will receive a link to join.

Behind the Collections Door: The Mercury 13
April 7, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. (EDT) via Zoom
Led by Collections Manager, Katherine Behnke, this program will provide a glimpse into the collections cared for at the International Women's Air & Space Museum. Learn about the women who underwent testing at the Lovelace facility, and who would make history as the first to undergo astronaut testing beginning in 1961. Now known as the "Mercury 13," engage with the history of these remarkable women through the lens of their personal records, flying trophies, and more. This program is in conjunction with the current exhibit on loan to the California Aeronautical University.
 
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required and each participant will receive the access link prior to the event. For questions, email info@iwasm.org.

Mercury Women: Forgotten Link to the Future
April 13, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. (EDT) on Facebook Live
"Women can be Astronauts" headlines the extended remarks of West Virginian Representative Ken Hechler on Thursday, March 15, 1962, during the 87th U.S. Congressional Session. However, it took another 20 years before Sally Ride became the first American woman in space. In this program, learn about the remarkable women who became known as the Mercury 13. Attendees will understand how their efforts eventually aided NASA's acceptance of women in NASA's Astronaut Corps.
This event is in partnership with the Armstrong Air & Space Museum and will appear on both the IWASM and AASM social media.
The event is FREE and open to the public. This program will also be live streamed on Facebook.

Unladylike 2021: Bessie Coleman
April 22, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. (EDT) on WebEx
IWASM is excited to join Lakeland Community College Women's Center for the final event in the Unladylike 2021 series exploring the lasting impact and experience of Bessie Coleman.
Each program includes a 10-minute PBS film from the Unladylike series, which profiles diverse and little-known trailblazing women from the turn of the 20th century, and pairs them with contemporary women who followed in their footsteps. The in-depth look at each woman’s life highlights many societal issues that are every bit as relevant today as they were in the early 20th century. The films are fast-paced, colorful, and full of interesting revelations.
Each film screening will be followed by a short discussion led by a special guest. These events are free and open to the public

Soaring Above: Cleveland Women in Aviation & Aerospace
March 25, 2021 @ 6:00 p.m. (EST) via Zoom
From the annual Cleveland Air Show to the role NASA's Glenn Research center in the study of space, Cleveland is home to rich aviation and aerospace history. In this virtual program in partnership with the Shaker Historical Society, the International Women's Air & Space Museum will highlight the impact and contributions of women from the greater Cleveland area from pilots to engineers to parachutists and more.
This event is in partnership with the Shaker Historical Society and will appear on both IWASM and SHS social media.
February 24, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. - Virtual Meet & Greet

Join Executive Director Sara Fisher for a free virtual meet and greet!
Hear about what's been happening at IWASM, our plans for 2021, and more. Learn about what is in store to celebrate IWASM's 45th Anniversary, the 60th Anniversary of the Mercury 13, and get a chance
to share your thoughts as the organization gets underway with
strategic planning.The event is free and open to the public.  Registration is required.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Jan. 21, 2021 - Kathryn Sullivan: Handprints on Hubble: An Astronaut's Story of Invention (Online)
Come celebrate the paperback release of Dr. Kathryn D. Sullivan's memoir, "Handprints on Hubble: An Astronaut's Story of Invention" about her pioneering work as a NASA astronaut--and the first American woman to walk in space.

For this *virtual* book talk, Dr. Sullivan will be joined in conversation with Marcy Frumker, Board Member and Space Advisor of IWASM, along with Loganberry Books serving as the main host.


*Past Dinner Series Speakers
2020:
Sheila L. Chamberlain – First African-American Female Combat Intelligence Pilot for the U.S. Army
2019:
Gigi Coleman – Great-Niece of Aviatrix Bessie Coleman
Wally Funk – Member of Mercury 13
Ric Gillespie – Executive Director of TIGHAR, Amelia Earhart expeditions
Stephanie Caisse-Harris – Author of “A Corpsman’s Legacy”
2018:
Stephanie Johnson – Delta’s First African-American Female Pilot
Sarah B. Rickman – Author & Historian, WAFS and WASP
Shaesta Waiz – Afghan Refugee, Youngest Woman to Circumnavigate the Globe in a Single-Engine Plane
2017:
Gigi Coleman – Great-Niece of Aviatrix Bessie Coleman
Harry Haskell – Author, Grandson of Henry Haskell – Husband of Katharine Wright
Bill Meixner – Historian, MacRobertson Air Race 1934
2016:
Marianne Dyson – Author, NASA Flight Controller
Jennifer Bean Bower – Author, Viola Gentry
Bill Meixner – Historian, History of Airmail
Marsha J. Wright – Daughter of WASP Margaret Ringenberg
2015:
Bill Meixner – Historian, Bomber Plant
Wendy Hollinger – Publisher, Jerrie Mock’s “Three-Eight Charlie”
Casey Grant – One of Delta’s First African-American Flight Attendants
Lt. Col. Becky Ohm – Ohio’s First Female Fighter Pilot
2014:
Bill Meixner – Historian, 1929 Air Race/Amelia Earhart
Julie Cummins – Author, “Flying Solo: How Ruth Elder Soared into America's Heart"
Dan Zaleski – Historian, Blanche Noyes
Bill Meixner – Historian, Cleveland & Aviation
2013:
Bill Meixner – Historian, History of Cleveland Municipal Airport
Marcy Frumker – History of Female Astronauts and Cosmonauts
Richard DuRose – Author, “Shooting Star: The First Attempt By A Woman To Reach Hawaii By Air”
M.G. Crisci – Author, “Call Sign, White Lily”
2012:
Doug Kusak – Cleveland Metroparks, Great Lakes Exposition 1936-37
Mary Feik – First Female Presented the Master Mechanic Award, Pat Hange (2nd)
Jean-Vi Lenthe – Author, “Flying Into Yesterday: My Search for the Curtiss-Wright Aeronautical Engineering Cadettes”
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