playing: may 2026
AIM HIGH: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen
AIM HIGH: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen, a new traveling exhibit that honors the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen by exploring STEAM concepts and aviation themes through the lens of the pioneering group’s Six Guiding Principles. Inspired by the tools and tasks connected to airplanes and flying, the interactive exhibits mix real artifacts with hands-on imaginative play. Aim High will let visitors of all ages imagine themselves as future aviators, inspired by the stories from the past.
Explore the multiple aspects of aviation, from the rich history of the Tuskegee Airmen to 21st century STEM concepts. Inspired by the tools and tasks related to flying and aeronautics, the interactive experiences mix real artifacts with hands-on play. Visitors of all ages will be able to imagine themselves in the role of aviators, inspired by the past and dream of the future. In this exhibit, visitors can:
Get an up-close view of the inside of a Cockpit Flight Trainer. Watch videos of the plane taking off and landing from the captain’s seat advantage point. This life-size cockpit is perfect for dramatic play and includes a row of actual airplane seats.
Design and build a custom rocket using just paper and tape. Watch it blast off at the Rocket Launcher!
Step up to the Interactive Mirror, activated by pressure sensitive mats, to expose images of airplanes. This activity helps visitors see themselves in roles in the aviation field with a variety of costumes.
Build and wear a pair of Wearable Wings and imagine they are flying through the sky.
Interested in sponsoring this exhibit?
Please contact Natalie Hall, Chief Development Officer at nhall@grcm.org
The exhibition features Black Wings, American Dreams of Flight organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. The exhibition was made possible by the generous support of MetLife Foundation. It chronicles the story of African Americans, who, despite facing racial barriers, attained great achievements in the world of aviation.