The Sullenberger Aviation Museum, named for “Miracle on the Hudson” pilot C.B. “Sully” Sullenberger, will reopen its doors on June 1 in Charlotte, North Carolina, following a substantial redevelopment effort. Sullenberger will be in attendance for the ceremonies. The museum’s “Innovation Nation” exhibit includes the recovered airframe of US Airways Flight 1549’s Airbus A320 that Sullenberger famously landed in New York’s Hudson River on Jan. 20, 2009, with all passengers and crews surviving.
Other museum exhibition aircraft include a replica of the Wright Flyer, a Vietnam-era F-4S Phantom II, a Grumman F-14 Tomcat, a P-80 “Shooting Star,” one of the first U.S. jet fighters, and one of only two Skystreak test aircraft used to explore breaking the sound barrier in the late 1940s. Museum President Stephen Saucier said, “Our reimagined galleries and immersive storytelling encompass much more than a new facility, as we now have the privilege to serve as a conveyer of opportunity, advanced equity, and access to careers in aviation throughout the Carolinas and beyond. We look forward to welcoming curious lifelong learners of all ages through our doors in just a few short months.”
Museum Board Chair Tim Miller recognized the support of museum volunteers, in particular Board Chair Emeritus Marc Oken, for his role in casting “a new vision, assembling an amazing team [and leading the] Museum’s $34 million fundraising effort.”
According to the announcement, “The Museum will also foster access through its Flight Forward program, a consortium of North Carolina aviation industry and educational professionals, several colleges and universities, trade schools, and workforce development groups. This workforce collaborative will work together to create strategic opportunities for student training, networking, and recruitment across STEM-based fields.”
A nice collection here in my home state, but sadly this organization has gone woke, probably a pre-requisite to get government money in woke Charlotte these days. A real pity. I have no interest in visiting the place.
Geez, first comment about aviation is really about “woke”? Has the right wing gone to only one wing? I think the museum is nice but a display in NYC or LA would be better. Schullenberger is one of very few in aviation recognized for expertise in the media. It would seem that more is better for all of us who fly.
How can an aviation museum “go woke”. I can’t imagine. Especially the last paragraph sounds pretty good to me.
“How can an aviation museum “go woke”.”
The same way that public libraries host drag events for children.
The term “woke”, as i understand it, means awareness of racial and other social prejudices or inequalities. Hard to see how that could adversely affect an aviation museum.
In practice “woke” has been divisive and destructive.
It’s not built anything but only has destroyed unity and peace and harmony and togetherness.
That’s why when a museum starts advanced so-called equity, the irony is that it loses it.
I have long been aware of racial and other social prejudices or inequalities. They have been with us since time began.
I wanted to play in the NFL. Wanted to be a senior Delta Air Lines pilot. Wanted to be a Naval Aviator and land on aircraft carriers. Never made it. Was not even given an opportunity. Oh woe is me!