BE CURIOUS. BE INSPIRED. BE INTREPID.
INTREPID ADVANCEMENTS Fall 2026
"Intrepid's story is inseparable from the story of America itself.”
WELCOME FROM
LEE ANN GULLIE Dear Friends, This year holds special significance at the Intrepid Museum as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 50th anniversary of the public rollout of Space Shuttle Enterprise. These incredible milestones provided an opportunity for us to reflect on the people, events and ideals that have shaped our work and to consider how we at the Intrepid Museum will carry that legacy forward for generations to come. For more than eight decades, the aircraft carrier Intrepid has stood as a witness to history. From serving in World War II, the Cold War and the Vietnam War, to supporting the space program, Intrepid’s story is inseparable from the story of America itself. It is a story of courage, innovation, sacrifice, service and resilience, qualities that continue to define our work today. Through immersive exhibitions, educational programming and meaningful public engagement, the Intrepid Museum brings history to life, helping visitors from around the globe understand not only where we have been, but also the responsibilities and opportunities that lie ahead. We are honored to provide a powerful platform to explore our shared past and inspire future generations.
This work is not accomplished through the efforts of our staff alone. Veterans, former crew members, and community members aged 17 to 100 provide tens of thousands of volunteer hours each year— from organizing and cataloging the Museum’s internal archives and supporting our internal operations to leading tours and providing firsthand perspective on the day-to-day life aboard an aircraft carrier. Together, we have the immense privilege and responsibility of preserving these extraordinary national treasures, sharing their stories with the world and inspiring the next generation. Looking ahead to the coming year, we are eager to expand our career development pathways, renovate exhibition spaces that have never before been available to the public, and continue to advance our mission for you. Thank you for your partnership and continued commitment to our mission. We hope to see you aboard soon. With gratitude, Lee Ann Gullie Vice President, Institutional Advancement COVER, BACK AND CURRENT PAGE: Photos by Looks Good Works Great Photography
THE PLACE FOR
AEROSPACE The Intrepid Museum sits at a dynamic intersection of history, innovation, and possibility, where bold technological achievements and the stories of the people and technologies behind them encourage audiences—especially young people—to be curious, dream boldly, and envision a future filled with endless possibilities. The Museum’s Education Department offers a variety of programs serving a diverse audience, including teens, K–12 groups, teachers, families, seniors, veterans, military families and visitors with developmental, physical or learning disabilities and their families. Our programs cater to both large and intimate groups, ranging from hour-long sessions to extensive, multi-part series. The programs are delivered by a creative team of education and exhibitions professionals, enhanced by insights from our advisory boards for autism, veterans and accessibility, draw upon the Museum’s exhibitions and are strategically timed with public programs featuring artists, prominent speakers and partners. Hands‑on exploration and inquiry‑based learning opportunities
within our education programs spark a passion for STEM and aim to address a critical national challenge: the rapidly increasing demand for aerospace professionals.
providing resources that deepen their understanding of aviation and space science and history and expose them to the wide range of career pathways within the aerospace sector.
This need includes not only scientists, engineers, technicians, and production specialists, but also creative and technical roles not traditionally associated with aerospace—such as designers, architects, and other emerging skill sets.
This coming school year, we will expand our offerings, implementing previously piloted NASA informed after-school enrichment programming, as well as an inaugural program for NYC middle school students and their families to connect them with specialized high schools focused on aerospace, engineering and technology pathways. Helping students better understand the scholastic opportunities available to them in the field of aerospace is just one way the Intrepid Museum is investing in the future of aerospace.
Yet many students remain unaware of the diverse career pathways available. Early introduction, especially during middle school, encourages lifelong curiosity, cultivates relevant skills and helps connect young people to future opportunities. We recognize the importance of this time for students and are committed to creating space and
Photos by Karl Ault Looks Good Works Great Photography and Intrepid Museum staff
“[The] Intrepid [Museum] changed my perspective from what was cut out for me, versus a path I could make for myself.” Treazure DaBreo
As a middle school student, Treazure DaBreo participated in one of the Museum’s summer intensive programs for girls. The free program introduced participants to all areas of STEM, including astronomy, biology, chemistry and physics, and served as a catalyst for Treazure’s future aerospace learning. She went on to graduate from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in astronomy and planetary science, then returned to Intrepid as a Museum educator, helping to inspire future generations. This coming year, Treazure will pursue a Master’s degree in Astrophysics, with hopes to eventually work at NASA.
IN MEMORIAM
THANK YOU
AARON REZNICK FOR VISITING From Kids Weeks and Girls in Science and Engineering Day, to Memorial Day, the World Cup, America 250 and our wide array of community and education programs - we’re honored to have welcomed thousands to the Intrepid Museum so far this year.
Aaron Reznick, Intrepid former crew member, United States Marine and longtime Museum volunteer passed away in May 2026. A devoted husband to Liz, his wife of 50 years, proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Aaron was beloved by all who knew him for his willingness to help others. Aaron was a sergeant in the Marine Corps from 1958-1962, maintaining A4 Skyhawks aboard multiple carriers, including Intrepid. His occupation specialties included aircraft electronics technician, aircraft nuclear weapons technician and aircraft and powerplant mechanic. Aaron returned to Intrepid in 2012 as a volunteer. In total, he amassed more than 10,000 volunteer hours supporting the Museum’s IT, Education, Public Programs and Visitor Services departments. Aaron was also heavily involved in the Intrepid Former Crewmembers Association, tirelessly helping behind the scenes. Aaron’s presence, passion, and commitment to sharing the mission of the museum with every visitor he encountered made him an irreplaceable part of our community. He was quite simply part of the fabric that makes Intrepid a special place, and we will miss him dearly. Aaron Reznick, Former Crew Member and volunteer. Photo by Erika Kapin Photography
Photos by Erika Kapin Photography, Intrepid Museum staff, Sabrina Palko Looks Good Works Great Photography
HISTORY TAKES
FLIGHT
This past June, the Intrepid Museum played host to an unforgettable milestone: a surprise-filled birthday celebration for longtime Museum supporter Steve Sultan. Friends and family flew in from across the country to mark the occasion in style, with private tours of the Aircraft Restoration Hangar, incredible food, music, and the kind of energy only a true Intrepid evening can deliver. It was a fitting venue for Steve, who has long been one of the Aircraft Restoration Hangar’s biggest champions. In the Hangar, history comes to life thanks to a dedicated team of skilled technicians and volunteers who research and restore the Museum’s remarkable collection of historic aircraft, preserving them not just as artifacts, but as living stories of American aviation and military history for generations to come.
In the spirit of that commitment, Steve and friends made generous gifts to support the Museum’s Aircraft Restoration Program. On the night of the party, he quietly revealed to former Curator of Aviation and Aircraft Restoration Eric Boehm that the workspace within the Hangar would be named in his honor. Eric, whose nearly two decades of dedication to preserving our historic aircraft left an indelible mark on the Museum, was completely blown away by the tribute. Steve and his wife Denise have been cherished members of the Intrepid family for years, and this gift is a beautiful reflection of who they are — generous, thoughtful, and deeply committed to keeping history alive.
Family and Museum staff with Steve Sultan. Inside the Aircraft Restortation Hangar. Former Curator of Aviation, Eric Boehm, and Steve Sultan in front of the Aircraft Restortation Hangar. Photos by Intrepid Museum Staff
CREATE A LASTING LEGACY Planned gifts are a meaningful way to support the Intrepid Museum—and may allow you to make a larger gift than you thought possible. Whether you're updating your will, planning for retirement, or considering charitable giving options, consider speaking with your financial advisor about including the Intrepid Museum in your plans. Your commitment today helps to ensure our future tomorrow. While we cannot provide legal or tax advice, we are happy to work with you and your professional advisors to help ensure your charitable intentions are carried out. Please contact Eddie Maffia at 646-381-5279 to learn more.
CELEBRATING
SPACE SHUTTLE ENTERPRISE
The Intrepid Museum’s collection reflects some of the greatest achievements in aviation history. The largest aircraft in our collection, the Space Shuttle Enterprise, arrived at its current home in the Space Shuttle Pavilion on the Intrepid Museum’s flight deck in June 2012.
of human spaceflight, not only proving that a spacecraft could return from orbit, land safely on a runway, and then be reused, but also inspiring a generation of engineers and astronauts that helped pave the way for three decades of Shuttle missions.
Intrepid’s role in the space shuttle program began in the 1960s, when U.S. Navy ships played a key role in NASA’s early human spaceflight programs. Essex-class aircraft carriers recovered astronauts and their capsules from the ocean after their missions. Intrepid served as the primary recovery vessel for the Mercury 7 mission in 1962 and the Gemini 3 mission in 1965. In the 1970s, NASA began work on reusable winged craft that could glide back into Earth’s atmosphere and land on a runway, rather than smaller capsules that splashed down in the ocean.
Lessons learned through Enterprise’s test flights informed NASA’s design plans for follow-up shuttles. Today, the Shuttle embodies the spirit of invention and innovation in technology; it reminds us that every new era of exploration is built upon the achievements of those who came before. Each year, the Space Shuttle Pavilion serves as a venue for hundreds of hands-on science demonstrations, interactive special exhibitions, exciting augmented and virtual reality experiences and dynamic public programs.
Construction on the Space Shuttle Enterprise began in 1974 and was completed in 1976. Although Enterprise never flew in space, it fundamentally changed the course
We’re delighted to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the public rollout of Space Shuttle Enterprise on September 17, 2026. Photo by Intrepid Museum staff
ARTIFACT SPOTLIGHT The Museum recently acquired a few modern reprints of Enterprise’s first cross-country flight. The orbiter was flown from Edwards Air Force Base in California to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, with a stopover at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The stopover was for a ceremony honoring the ALT testing that had occurred in 1977, and many people went to Houston to greet the orbiter for the occasion. The donor, who was attending Kansas State at the time, was visiting friends in the area. Once in Huntsville, Enterprise spent a year at Marshall to complete its vibration test phase. Collection of the Intrepid Museum. Gift of Russ Ann Oppermann. P2026.22.01-.04
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Office of Institutional Advancement One Intrepid Square W. 46th Street & 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10036-4103
SAVE THE DATE!
UPCOMING EVENTS
UNSTOPPABLE WOMEN November 19, 2026
The Intrepid Museum will host its annual Unstoppable Women fundraising event. The event features a cocktail reception, seated dinner, and engaging discussion with leading female executives and thought leaders.
GIVING TUESDAY
December 2, 2026
Your support helps the Museum honor the past and inspire the future—by preserving our historic collections, providing world-class educational programming, and creating meaningful experiences for visitors of all ages.
KIDS WEEK 2027 February 13 – 20
During Kids Week, children of all ages and interests will learn about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts & math) through fun-filled activities, NASA displays & exhibits, live animal shows, hands-on workshops, performances, special guests and interactive demonstrations designed to educate and inspire. Visit intrepidmuseum.org to learn more about these and other events