One hundred and fifty years ago this month, Thaddeus Lowe demonstrated to President Lincoln how a gas-filled balloon might be used to spy on the enemy, thus helping the Union Army and establishing the earliest "air force."
In celebration of this anniversary, the following activities will take place inside the Museum and on the National Mall:
See a 19,000 cubic foot balloon* and Civil War re-enactors.
Participate in activities and take tours with the National Park Service:
Listen to Ranger talks about President Lincoln and Civil War forts.
Meet historic figures like Abraham Lincoln, Thaddeus Lowe, and Mary Henry
*The balloon is a netted gas balloon that will be partially inflated with a "cold air blower." It was built in 1941 and is very similar in operation and size to the balloons used by Thaddeus Lowe. Partial inflation is necessary to comply with National Park Service restrictions.
This event is made possible by many in-kind donations and the financial support of the AIAA and Digital Design Imaging.
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