The Maker of Pilots Willa B Brown Past Exhibit … Aviator Willa Beatrice Brown (1906–92) achieved numerous “firsts” in her lifetime, many of them earned through her tireless advocacy to integrate aviation programs. Brown began taking flying lessons in 1934, and over the next four years she earned an MBA at Northwestern University, her Master Mechanic Certificate, and her pilot’s license, making her the first Black woman to receive a license in the United States. Determined to give aspiring pilots …

Diseños An Impact of Mexican Cession Past Exhibit … At the end of the Mexican-American War, the United States annexed more than half of Mexico’s territory under the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Under its terms, the U.S. promised to protect the property rights of Mexican citizens who had received land grants (ranchos) in the territory from Mexico or Spain. In 1851, Congress passed a law that required Mexican landowners in California to confirm their titles with the federal government. It was a lengthy …

Summer of 1948 A Step Forward for Equality for all in the US Armed Forces Past Exhibit … In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt upheld segregation in the Armed Forces, believing integration would threaten military efficiency and increase racial tension. President Harry S. Truman eventually organized a Presidential committee and based part of his 1948 campaign on civil rights. After winning that election, Truman was stymied by congressional inaction and called for a special session of Congress.  On July …

Power & Light Russell Lees Coal Survey Past Exhibit … "The Sergent family on their front porch. P V & K Coal Company, Clover Gap Mine, Lejunior, Harlan County, Kentucky."  View in National Archives Catalog Power & Light: Russell Lee's Coal Survey is an exhibition of photographs of coal communities by American documentary photographer Russell Lee. These images tell the story of laborers who helped build the nation, of a moment when the government took stock of their health and safety, and of a photographer …

The First National Park Yellowstone and the Hayden Survey Past Exhibit … In spring 1871, scientist, physician, and explorer Ferdinand V. Hayden (1829–87) prepared for an expedition in Wyoming and Montana Territories to survey the region around the Missouri, Snake, and Yellow Stone Rivers. Other expeditions into the area preceded Hayden’s, but Hayden is credited with spurring Congress to make Yellowstone the first National Park.  An experienced field scientist, he was among the first scientists to identify …

50th Anniversary of Apollo 15 and the Lunar Roving Vehicle Past Exhibit … An out-of-this world road trip Only July 31, 1971, almost three years to the day after Neil Armstrong’s giant leap for humankind, Apollo 15 astronauts David Scott and James Irwin took a spin in the first set of wheels on the Moon. The lunar roving vehicle (LRV), or “Moon buggy” as it is popularly known, was specially designed for use on the low-gravity lunar surface.  Astronauts’ bulky space suits had required them to stay close to …

150 Years Ago The Great Chicago Fire Past Exhibit … The Great Chicago Fire is one of the most famous fires in American history. Although Mrs. O’Leary’s legendary cow has been exonerated, the fire’s exact origin on the night of October 8, 1871, remains unknown. Once ignited, the fire quickly raged out of control thanks to ferocious winds, extremely dry conditions, and plenty of fuel. By the time rain extinguished the final flames on October 10, the conflagration had consumed The Loop (Chicago’s central …

Jackie RobinsonFreedom Fighter Past Exhibit … Jackie Robinson refused to move to the back of the bus Jackie Robinson was as fierce and determined about fighting injustice as he was about hitting home runs and stealing bases. He took stands against discrimination throughout his life. In fact, a decade before Rosa Parks’s legendary refusal to give up her seat, Jackie Robinson refused to move to the back of a bus.  Drafted into the Army during World War II, 2nd Lt. Jack R. Robinson was stationed at Camp Hood, …

Mathew Brady A Pioneering Photographer Past Exhibit … Renowned photographer of the notable Credited by many as the father of photojournalism, Mathew Brady is synonymous with the Civil War even though he did not make many of the photographs that bear his name. His ambitious effort to comprehensively document the conflict required Brady to employ a staff of field photographers and make purchases from private individuals. Although Brady was rarely the photographer behind the camera in the field, the historic …

Remembering the Hollywood 10 Screenwriter Ring Lardner Jr Past Exhibit … Early in the Cold War, the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) investigated allegations of Communist activity in the film industry. The committee’s mandate was to “protect the form of government guaranteed by the Constitution.” However, the investigations contributed to a repressive and fearful atmosphere.  On October 30, 1947, HUAC called Ring Lardner, Jr., Academy Award winning screenwriter, to testify before the …