Thanks for the Memories! Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Turns 35

As the nation prepares to celebrate another birthday, so too does the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, which turns 35, July 1. You don’t have to know anything about aeronautics, space history, or planetary studies before visiting this national treasure—home to the 1903 Wright Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, and the Apollo 11 command module among other marvels of aviation—as you will likely learn a little of all three with an afternoon fly-by of the facilities (its flagship building located on the National Mall, and the other, an expansion at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Northern Virginia).

Can’t make it to DC? Make a virtual visit to the museum via the website “Celebrating 35 Years of Memories at the National Air and Space Museum,” specially created to mark the anniversary.

Did you know that the museum started amassing its unrivaled aeronautical collection 100 years before it was established in 1876, when a group of kites obtained from the Chinese Imperial Commission became its first acquisition? More fun facts on the website—and catch a sneak peek at some of the museum’s most popular collections.

Personally, I’m a sucker for a saucy aviatrix and a B-52 with killer nose art…how about you?