Aviation Lectures

Hearing people speak about their own lives gives a feel for the person far more than simply reading of their exploits. Enjoy these discussions with some of the world’s legendary aviators…

The Moon Speech – John F. Kennedy 1962

“We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy but because they are hard.” Words chosen and delivered well can propel man across the heavens. In 1962 US President John F. Kennedy gave a speech in which he explained his commitment to America...

Smithsonian: Robert Goddard and the “Hoopskirt” Rocket

From the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum / YouTube page: Dr. Michael Neufeld, curator in the Space History Division at the National Air and Space Museum, discusses Robert Goddard and his “hoopskirt” rocket. This informal gallery talk was recorded on October 27, 2010 as part of the National Air and Space Museum’s “Ask...

Smithsonian: Cal Rodgers and “Vin Fiz” (Wright Brothers aircraft)

From the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum / YouTube page: Dr. Peter Jakab, associate director for collections and curatorial affairs at the National Air and Space Museum, discusses the Cal Rodgers and the “Vin Fiz.” This informal gallery talk was recorded on October 13, 2010 as part of the National Air and Space...

Smithsonian: The First Around The World Flight

From the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum / YouTube page: Dr. Jeremy Kinney, curator in the Aeronautics Division at the National Air and Space Museum, discusses the Douglas World Cruiser “Chicago” and the first flights around the world. This informal gallery talk was recorded on October 20, 2010 as part of the National...

Smithsonian: The Roswell Incident

From the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum / YouTube page: Dr. Roger Launius, senior curator in the Space History Division of the National Air and Space Museum, discusses the 1947 Roswell Incident — UFOs, the Cold War and Chicanery in the desert. This informal gallery talk was recorded on March 20, 2011 as...

Smithsonian: Charles and Anne Morrow Lindbergh & the “Tingmissartoq”

From the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum / YouTube page: Dorothy Cochrane, curator in the Aeronautics Division of the National Air and Space Museum, discusses Charles and Anne Morrow Lindbergh and their exploratory flights in the “Tingmissartoq.” This informal gallery talk was recorded on October 6, 2010 as part of the National Air...