For more information please contact Nicole Wahlberg, Director of Marketing and Public Relations,
Evergreen Aviation Museum, (503) 434-4006, or email nichole.wahlberg@sprucegoose.org
FOR RELEASE
February 13, 2004
A Celebration of Black History
Evergreen Aviation Museum Inaugurates a Celebration of Heritage
MCMINNVILLE, Ore. – In honor of Black History month, the Evergreen Aviation Museum is recognizing the contribution African Americans have had in the creation of this great nation and the freedom we all enjoy - an afternoon dedicated to Black History.
The public is invited to a feature presentation by noted lecturer, Ron Weber at 1 p.m.. Mr. Weber’s presentation is titled “African Americans in Defense of Their Nation.” A story time for children will follow and feature a picture book about the Tuskegee Airmen - African American’s who served the nation as military pilots, flight engineers, gunners, mechanics, navigators and bombardiers.
The celebration of Black history will continue the museum’s spotlight of the contribution minorities have had in the establishment of freedom in the United States. Prior to the celebration of Black History, the Evergreen Aviation Museum hosted a day in November dedicated to the contribution of the Mexican Expeditionary Air Force, the Aztec Eagles and their assistance defending the United States during WWII. The festivities will continue in March when the museum honors women in aviation during Women’s History month. The tribute to women in aviation will commence on Saturday, March 27 with featured speakers, displays and panel presentations.
“There are so many wonderful aspects of history to celebrate and we continue to enjoy honoring veterans of every war. We look forward to educating the public about history through personal accounts and presentations,” said Kristin Russell, Director of Special Events.
Museum Activities scheduled for Feb. 21 include:
| 1 p.m. | Ron Weber presentation titled "African Americans in Defense of Their Nation". Weber researches, writes and speaks on Black History. He lectures for government agencies each year, writes weekly and monthly columns in newspapers throughout Oregon and is currently writing some television documentaries on exceptional African Americans. He has received several national awards on Martin Luther King, Black History Month and Women’s History Month. |
| 2 p.m. | Children's Story Time |
For more information on the events or to attend, please contact the Evergreen Aviation Museum Events Department at 503-434-4023.
The Evergreen Aviation Museum is best known as the home of the world’s largest wooden airplane, the Spruce Goose and the SR-71 Blackbird. In addition, there are more than 50 historic aircraft and exhibits on display, along with aviation artwork and traveling displays. The Evergreen Aviation Museum’s hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily except when it is closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. An extensive museum store and friendly café add to the Museum experience. The Museum is located at 500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, across the highway from the McMinnville Airport and about three miles southeast of McMinnville, Ore., on Highway 18. Regular visitor admission is required. Call (503) 434-4180 for more information, and visit http://www.sprucegoose.org/.