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Membership SUPPORT THE MUSEUM—BECOME A MEMBER TODAY! Join us in our efforts to preserve and promote the history of the world’s oldest continuously operating airport by becoming a member of the Field of Firsts Foundation! Membership is a vital source of support for the College Park Aviation Museum. Your membership makes it possible for us to rejuvenate permanent exhibits, present engaging temporary exhibits, create new interactive opportunities in the galleries, as well as generate innovative programming and educational opportunities for all ages from toddlers through adults. The Field of Firsts Foundation is an independent 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds to support the College Park Aviation Museum and its exhibits and educational programming. A portion of your membership is tax deductible as allowed by law. 100% of your membership goes to support the College Park Aviation Museum!
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS FOR ALL LEVELS INCLUDE:
Q Unlimited FREE admission to the museum galleries for one year Q 15% discount at museum store Q Advance notice of programs and special events Q Reduced or FREE admission to select workshops and special events Q Express members-only line for programs such as Santa Fly-In To learn more and join, go to www.FieldofFirsts.com or request a membership brochure by calling the museum at 301-864-6029. TWO MEMBERSHIPS IN ONE—By joining the Field of Firsts Foundation you get a second membership benefit—a Smithsonian Affiliate membership! For an additional $20, receive the Field of Firsts Foundation member benefits, PLUS a national membership from the Smithsonian. Benefits include:
Q Smithsonian Magazine (one year subscription) or Air & Space Magazine
(six issues)
Q 10% discount on all Smithsonian Folkways Recordings Q Travel and study tour opportunities from Smithsonian Journeys Q Free admission to the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design
Museum in New York City Q A personalized Smithsonian membership card Q 10% discount on all IMAX tickets at the Smithsonian Q Online Benefits from the Smithsonian with insider access to the Smithsonian and special opportunities
Q iPad App for Smithsonian Magazine subscribers On the Cover November 16, 1946— Four Ercoupes were featured in the annual Santa Claus Parade down State Street in Chicago. Despite inclement weather, there was a large turnout. Three of Santa Claus’s helpers rode in the first three Ercoupes, and Santa himself was in the fourth plane. The Ercoupes were furnished by Parks Aircraft Sales and Service, Inc., Palwaukee Airport, Wheeling, Illinois. —College Park Aviation Museum, Erco Collection
General Information
Meet Rob Verbsky
1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive College Park, MD 20740 301-864-6029; TTY 301-699-2544 www.CollegeParkAviationMuseum.com
Hours 10 am–5 pm daily. Closed major holidays.
Admission Fees Adults $4.00 Seniors (60+)
$3.00
Groups (10+)
$3.00
Children/Students $2.00
School Tours College Park Aviation Museum offers a variety of educational tours which utilize our permanent exhibits and include interactive, hands-on activities to extend learning beyond the classroom, and to excite students about the history and science of flight. Our tours are designed to address grade-appropriate Common Core and Maryland educational standards, and can be modified to accommodate a wide range of learning abilities. We also offer in-class educational outreach programs. Call the museum to learn more! CONSIDER CONTRIBUTING to the Combined Federal Campaign #28187– Field of Firsts Foundation to benefit the College Park Aviation Museum.
In March 2015, Rob Verbsky joined the College Park Aviation Museum staff as the new Assistant Director. He has worked in a variety of history, science, and art museums since 2001 including Port Discovery Children’s Museum, Sully Historic Site, Empire State Aerosciences Museum, the George Eastman House, and the American Airpower Museum. Rob also has a doctorate in American history from American University where he wrote his dissertation on the role of American air shows since World War II.
Become a SMARTlink Client Today! Patrons of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission may register for courses and programs on line, in person, or over the phone. If you would like staff at College Park Aviation Museum to open a SMARTlink account for you, please call us or stop by the museum and we will be happy to oblige. Montgomery and Prince George’s County residents need to provide proof of residency. Children need to provide a current student ID or birth certificate. Once your SMARTlink account is opened, you may register for programs, activities and events offered by the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation on line, by phone, by mail, or in person. For more information visit our website at www.pgparks.com.
Veterans History Project Are you a veteran with a story to tell? Go to CollegeParkAviationMuseum.com to learn about participating in the Veterans History Project.
C COO LLL EL G EE GP AER K P A R K PROGRAMS Engineering Challenge 12 noon
Try your hand at a different challenge every month. Contraptions will be judged on functionality and creativity. Prizes will be awarded for each competition and for the series. Contact the museum for more information and a complete set of rules. June 20: Egg Drop July 25: Mousetrap Racers August 22: Blimps
Peter Pan 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, 10:30 am FREE with museum admission
Come to the Peter Pan story time for pre-school fun! Ideal for little learners up to five years old, enjoy a flight themed story and hands-on craft activity. To schedule a group larger than 10, please call the museum to make a private group reservation.
EVENTS
Mornings at the Museum Saturdays, August 8, 9:30 am & November 14, 9:30 am
Explore exciting aspects of the Museum’s collection before we open our doors with a museum educator. Stay after the tour for coffee, tea and conversation. These guided tours are for all ages.
Kite Workshop Saturday, July 11, 2 pm $8 per participant
Spend the afternoon at the museum building and decorating your own kite. The $8 workshop fee covers museum admission and the price of one kite kit. Please call the museum in advance to register.
The Prince George’s County Police Aviation Unit is based at College Park Airport, but on March 12, 2015 six additional police helicopters visited the airport before flying over Officer Brennan Rabain’s Funeral.
EVENTS Paws & Planes Saturday, August 1, 10 am – 2 pm FREE
Even furry friends love to fly. Meet Turbo the Flying Dog, share some love with furry friends who will be available for adoption and learn all about what it takes to fly!
Sangria Under the Stars Friday, August 14, 8–11 pm $30/Individual
Spend a night stargazing from the museum’s outdoor mezzanine. Sip on Sangria from Boordy Vineyards while you have the exhibits to yourself, learn about the stars and make your own constellation. Tickets may be purchased through FieldofFirsts.com or at the museum.
Trains & Planes Saturday, September 5–7 FREE with museum admission
Miniature trains, villages, tunnels, and depots spark the imagination as they bring history to life. The National Capital Trackers bring a fascinating and constantly moving display of model railroads to the museum.
College Park Day Saturday, September 26
Come to College Park Day at 5100 Paint Branch Parkway. Enjoy a lunch of savory delights from around the globe. Visit Artists Alley, featuring handmade creations of local artisans and craftsmen. Pop in to the museum’s booth to pick up a scavenger hunt that will lead you to the museum for a prize!
The ’Coupe Club Dance Celebrating 75 years of the Ercoupe Saturday, September 26, 7:30 –11 pm $45/Individual, $80/Couple
Step back in time to the 1940s and kick up your heels to great dance music while enjoying light hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine. A silent auction, pick-a-prize raffle, photo booth and scavenger hunt offer fun for everyone. Prize for best 1940s costume! Proceeds will benefit the Field of Firsts Foundation. Purchase your tickets from FieldofFirsts.com or at the museum by September 17.
Cycle Through Aviation History Saturday, October 24, 10 am $6/participant
Discover 250 years of flight in a guided bicycle tour along the Anacostia River trails, from the first balloon flight in America to intriguing 20th century inventions and industry. The ride will be a flat 10 mile loop with snacks provided; some riding on quiet streets, but mostly off-road, paved trails. Bicycles and helmets are available. Persons 16 & under must be accompanied by an adult. Please call the museum in advance to register.
Take Flight Friday, November 20, 8 – 11 pm $30/Individual
Haunted Hangar Friday, October 30, 7–9 pm $5 per participant
Wear your costume and join in the Halloween fun at the annual Haunted Hangar event. Arts, crafts, hayrides, and spooky fun are waiting for kids and families.
Enjoy after-hours access to the museum, peruse our latest exhibition The Plane of Tomorrow, Today!, pose for photos, and fly your best paper airplane. As your imagination takes flight, enjoy samples from Union Craft Brewing. Tickets may be purchased through FieldofFirsts.com or at the museum.
Santa Fly-In Saturday, December 5, 12 noon – 4 pm $5 per participant
Home-School Day Monday, November 2, 11 am – 2 pm $4 per participant
Home-Schooled students of all ages and their parent-educators are invited to the museum for a day of learning and adventure. Aviation themed activities and crafts will address learning in science, math, language, and art. Please call the museum in advance to register.
Watch Santa fly into the historic College Park Airport! Make some holiday arts and crafts and then have your picture taken with Santa.
Holiday Trains & Planes Saturday, December 12-Saturday, December 19 FREE with museum admission
During the holiday season, College Park Aviation Museum gets ready for the festivities as miniature trains, villages, tunnels, and depots spark the imagination and bring history to life. The National Capital Trackers bring a fascinating and constantly moving display of model railroads to the museum.
EXHIBITS Biological Flyers of College Park Through August 28
Hovering flight, soaring flight, speed flight, formation flight—all done around College Park and not by airplanes or helicopters! Biological Flyers of College Park explores the many different kinds of flight that birds and flying mammals can do in our neighborhood skies. This exhibit was produced in collaboration with the M-NCPPC Park Rangers, Prince George’s County Audubon Society, and Patuxent Bird club.
The Plane of Tomorrow, Today! Opening September 12 Reopening for the 75th Anniversary of the Ercoupe!
Within months of the end of WWII, the Engineering and Research Corporation (ERCO) began marketing it’s spin-proof, stall-resistant, anyone-can-fly Ercoupe. The airplane was the work of the brilliant designer Fred Weick and was marketed as the epitome of a new era of modern living. This exhibit draws on the museum’s vast collection of ERCO material to illuminate the design, marketing and worldwide success of the Ercoupe. It features anErcoupe suspended in flight and a cutaway section so visitors can see what makes this plane unique.
Blue Star Museum Program The College Park Aviation Museum is proud to be one of more than 2,000 museums across America to offer FREE admission to the nation’s active duty military personnel, including National Guard and Reserve and their families, from Memorial Day, May 25 through Labor Day, September 7, 2015. Blue Star Museums is a collaborative effort between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and museums across the country. The FREE admission program is available to any bearer of a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173 1 ID card, which includes active duty U.S. military—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps— and up to five family members. The complete list of participating museums is available at arts.gov/national/blue-star-museums.
The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation. PPC-PR-CPAM-6/15
www.collegeparkaviationmuseum.com
College Park Aviation Museum 1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive College Park, MD 20740
Permit #1083 Riverdale, MD
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