Intrepid Advancements Newsletter Spring and Summer 2021

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SPRING/SUMMER 2021

INTREPID GOES VIRTUAL

INTREPID ADVANCEMENTS

05 LEGACY SOCIET Y

FINDING AN INTREPID DOUGLAS F4D SK YRAY

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TELLING STORIES THROUGH AIRCRAF T

UPCOMING VIRTUAL PROGRAMS

I first fell in love with airplanes as a child, spending many hours with my dad building flying models. This love of airplanes continued to grow throughout my life, especially when I entered the United States Air Force at the age of 17. I always planned on joining the military; my dad served in the Navy during World War II, and my grandfather served in the Marine Corps during World War I, so I saw my service as a way of continuing their legacy. I spent 20 years in the Air Force, and for 17 of those years, I was an aircraft mechanic. My experience in this capacity greatly influenced my professional career later in life.

VIRTUAL INTREPID ADVENTURES Tuesdays 3:00pm–4:00pm Join an Intrepid Museum educator each week as we explore history, science and ingenuity online together. Virtual Intrepid Adventure Programs are family-friendly and engage all ages. We request that adults participate in the program with their children.

I started my career at the Intrepid Museum 15 years ago and have now achieved the role of a lifetime, serving as the Museum’s Curator of Aviation. I oversee the care and interpretation of all 27 aircraft in our collection, including a World War II-era torpedo-bomber, Cold War- and Vietnam War-era jets, helicopters, and the largest space artifact in the Northeast—the space shuttle Enterprise. The preservation of these large-scale artifacts is physically challenging but extremely rewarding. The aircraft allow us to explore twentieth-century history through an Intrepid lens and enable us to discover and interpret the personal stories of the pilots and engineers who advanced aviation technology.

AIRCRAFT RESTORATION LIVE! Wednesdays 1:00pm 2:00pm Go behind the scenes with the aircraft restoration team on the latest project. STORIES WITHIN Airmen Escapades May 6, 2:00pm–3:00pm Hear the stories of pilots and air crews from Intrepid’s time in service and learn about their adventures on board and in the sky! Learn more: IntrepidMuseum.org/education/ stories-within

As our most visible and prominent assets, maintaining and expanding our aircraft collection remains a top priority. In April of 2019, after years of continuous refurbishment work, my team unveiled a prototype of the famous Douglas A-1 Skyraider. Skyraiders flew off Intrepid in the 1960s, during the ship’s service in the Vietnam War. This model, acquired by the Museum in 2014, is the oldest surviving Skyraider in existence.

NOT-SO-EARLY MORNING OPENINGS Speed and Style: Supersonic Flight May 8, 10:00am–11:00am Explore the supersonic jets at the Intrepid Museum. Learn what it was like to design, fly and land supersonic planes, including the British Airways Concorde. Learn more: IntrepidMuseum.org/education/ early-morning-openings

My team not only shares our fully refurbished artifacts with the public, but we also enjoy taking visitors behind the scenes to see our preservation efforts in action. Throughout 2019 we highlighted our team’s ongoing conservation work of the Lockheed A-12, a supersonic, high-altitude spy plane, which was added to our aircraft collection more than 25 years ago. Right now, my team and I are working on adding a new aircraft to our collection, a Douglas F4D Skyray, which actually flew off of Intrepid in 1961. We hope to bring the aircraft to the Museum soon, though the logistics and expenses are staggering. As a friend of the Museum, trust that we will keep you in the loop on our progress.

ACCESS FAMILY PROGRAM Under the Weather (All Ages) May 16, 11:00am–Noon Heat, rain, snow– oh no! Explore the aircraft carrier Intrepid and learn about the challenges of working in different weather conditions on board the ship or while flying an airplane. Learn more: IntrepidMuseum.org/education/ access-family-programs

Our aircraft collection exemplifies technological achievement and amplifies the stories of those who made that history—the humanity behind the hardware. I believe that our aircraft collection will continue to become a part of many people’s stories, as over one million yearly visitors experience these marvels for themselves, both onsite and virtually.

Eric Boehm Curator of Aviation

PHOTO: Rob Tannenbaum

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

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VIRTUAL ASTRONOMY LIVE THIRD THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH May 20: Astromaterial Samples Collected from Space June 17: Astronauts Dig Dirt 5:00pm–8:00pm Intrepid Museum collaborates with digital platform Kerbal Space Academy to allow local, national and international audiences who have a passion for space science to participate and meet astronauts, scientists and other talents through a series of online events streamed on TWITCH.TV. Learn more: IntrepidMuseum.org/virtualastronomy-live STORIES WITHIN Fun and Games June 3, 2:00pm–3:00pm Life on the aircraft carrier Intrepid was hard work, but sailors still found ways to have

fun! Explore historical spaces and hear stories from the crew about entertainment and recreation on board Intrepid. Learn more: IntrepidMuseum.org/education/ stories-within

ACCESS FAMILY PROGRAM Aircraft Design (All Ages) June 13, 11:00am–Noon Creating new types of airplanes involves understanding aircraft design of the past and innovating for the future. Explore Intrepid’s aircraft collection to hone observational skills, compare different types of airplanes and learn what’s new in aircraft design. Learn more: IntrepidMuseum.org/education/ access-family-programs All days and times are subject to change, please check the Museum's website for the latest schedule.

TO LEARN MORE, VISIT INTREPIDMUSEUM.ORG/LIVE-STREAMS The Museum’s education programs are supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Veterans Programs are made possible by public funds facilitated by the Councilman Chaim Deutsch, Chair of the Committee on Veterans, in partnership with the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. These programs are also supported by Craig Newmark Philanthropies.

Education programs at the Intrepid Museum are also supported by ConEdison, BNY Mellon, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The FAR Fund, The Ambrose Monell Foundation, Motorola Solutions Foundation, J.E. & Z.B. Butler Foundation, Booth Ferris Foundation, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, The Barker Welfare Foundation, ISTAT Foundation, Michael Tuch Foundation Inc., May & Samuel Rudin Family Foundation, Robert & Toni Bader Charitable Foundation, The Cowles Charitable Trust and Society for Science & the Public.

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY! Members enjoy complimentary, reservation free admission to the Museum all year, invitations to member-only events, advance notice of public programs and much more! To learn more, visit www.intrepidmuseum.org/membership or call 646-381-5030.


SPRING/SUMMER 2021

There are many ways to get involved at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. BECOME A VOLUNTEER Interested in volunteering your time? Please contact volunteers@ intrepidmuseum.org or 646-381-5058. HELP OUR COLLECTION GROW Right now we’re on the hunt for objects, photos, and stories related to the Douglas F4D Skyray. If you have something to share, please contact collections@ intrepidmuseum.org

Our refreshed exhibition Kamikaze: Beyond the Fire explores an infamous date in Intrepid’s history using the lived experiences of the men who experienced this historic event. On November 25, 1944, Intrepid suffered two Kamikaze attacks within minutes of one another. 69 Intrepid sailors lost their lives that day and if not for the quick firefighting response and united efforts of the crew, even more lives and even the Intrepid itself may have been lost. The heroism and fortitude exhibited by Intrepid’s crew that day have inspired the Museum’s staff and visitors alike, especially over the past year.

The Intrepid Museum has launched a robust schedule of interactive virtual programs on Twitch, YouTube and Facebook that leverages the Museum’s unique position at the intersection of history, science, technology and innovation. Delivered by a combination of in-house experts and special guests, the content features: •

Live conversations with astronauts, scientists, astronomers, aviation experts and other guests;

Opportunities to discover the science, technology and stories behind some of the world’s most fascinating aircraft, spacecraft, ships and submarines such as the space shuttle Enterprise, British Airways Concorde and the famed Lockheed A-12;

Behind-the-scenes looks at the Museum and its artifacts including little-seen and off-limits to the public areas;

A chance to follow along with the process of maintaining and restoring our aircraft collection;

Sessions with Museum educators as they explore aircraft design, host dynamic family programs and conduct hands-on demonstrations that viewers can participate in together, virtually.

The Kamikaze exhibition transports visitors back to the final months of World War II through firsthand accounts from survivors and an immersive, multimedia presentation that examines the role and legacy of the kamikaze attack. This exhibition easily translates to the digital world and has anchored many of the virtual programs we have created since last March. With your support, we can continue to create inspiring exhibitions like Kamikaze and virtual programs that foster real connections between veterans, students, families, seniors and others—now, when it's needed most.

These free programs are open to all ages and allow for visitors far and wide to continue to learn with the Intrepid Museum. Check out our complete calendar of upcoming virtual programs at intrepidmuseum.org/live-streams. We can’t wait to see you at our next live stream! ❙

PHOTO: Erika Kapin, Rob Tannenbaum

CONNECT US WITH FORMER CREW MEMBERS Did you or a family member serve on Intrepid or Growler? Please contact Zach Murray at zmurray@ intrepidmuseum.org or 646-381-5271.

INTREPID GOES VIRTUAL

PHOTO: The Collection of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

As the Intrepid Museum continues to weather the financial storm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we draw inspiration from the stories in our collection as we continue to achieve our mission to honor, educate, and inspire. We ask that you consider making a donation to the “Fighting I” Fund to provide critical financial support as the Museum reopens and resumes onsite programming.

SCAN HERE

to make your gift today or visit intrepidmuseum.org/support

Kamikaze: Beyond the Fire is made possible by a generous grant from the Daniels Fund, and in collaboration with the Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots in Kyush, Japan.


LEGACY SOCIETY PLEDGE FORM

REMEMBERING MARGARET F. DONOVAN

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

Longtime Museum volunteer and member Margaret “Peggy” Donovan pledged a planned gift to the Museum in 2016 and became an inaugural Legacy Society member. Peggy sadly passed away on November 9, 2019 and is fondly remembered by her friends, fellow volunteers and the Museum’s entire staff.

THE INTREPID MUSEUM’S LEGACY SOCIET Y WHAT IS PLANNED GIVING?

Peggy began volunteering at the Intrepid Museum in 2012 and gave over 800 hours of her time to advancing our mission. Many of her shifts were spent greeting visitors at the Museum’s information desk. There, she would answer questions from visitors and engage kids who showed an interest in science and math, sharing fun facts about Intrepid and pointing out exhibits they might enjoy.

A planned gift is a donation that is arranged or planned in the present and allocated at a future date. Planned gifts are most often granted once the donor has passed away, commonly donated through a will or trust. Planned gifts can also be a distribution from an IRA or 401K, a gift of cash or even real estate. Planned gifts of all sizes can be among the most transformative for organizations like the Intrepid Museum. Donors interested in planned giving do not need to have a lot of resources. Donations may be a one-time gift or one that establishes an endowment, or a pool of funds, that the Museum can draw from on an annual basis. Individuals that own property, have a pension or retirement account, or any asset can make a planned gift to the Museum while also maximizing tax benefits for your family.

INTREPID MUSEUM’S LEGACY SOCIETY

To become a member of the Legacy Society, all you have to do is let us know that you intend to make a planned gift to the Intrepid Museum. Simply complete the form on the next page and mail it back in the envelope included, or visit www.intrepidmuseum.org/legacysociety to submit the form digitally. ❙

PHOTOS: NASA

PHOTOS: Christine Butler, Mark Greenberg, Erica Kapin, Liam Marshall, Karen Obrist, Rob Tannenbaum, John Paul Teutonico

The Legacy Society is a group of supporters who have made a planned gift that includes the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Intrepid Museum Legacy Society donors are among the most committed supporters of our work. The Museum recognizes the generosity of its Legacy Society donors in our semiannual newsletter, on the Legacy Society website and on our new Honor Wall located in Intrepid’s historic Hangar Deck. Individuals whose planned gifts are in excess of $250,000 will be recognized on the Donor Wall in the Museum’s Welcome Center. Legacy Society donors receive invitations to special VIP and member-only events, exhibition openings, lectures, and more. There is also dedicated staff available to answer any questions about the Museum and to facilitate a seamless onsite experience.

Peggy was among the Museum’s most generous supporters, contributing to the acquisition of the space shuttle Enterprise in 2012. Since the arrival of this singular NASA artifact, she enthusiastically participated in every space-themed program she could and was always sure to bring friends that might find the programming interesting too. One of her favorite programs was when we hosted former NASA astronaut Mae Jemison. Friends of the Intrepid Museum had the chance to listen as Mae met with students enrolled in the Museum’s GOALS for Girls program. At the conclusion of the program, Peggy expressed how proud she was to be supporting an institution that fosters skills for young women interested in STEM careers. She wished the same opportunities had been available to her when she was young. In addition to the Intrepid Museum, Peggy was a supporter of many other cultural organizations including the Museum of the City of New York, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New-York Historical Society and American Museum of Natural History to name a few. Peggy was also a member of the Navy League and the Dames of Malta. Peggy’s substantial planned gift reflects her strong belief in the Museum’s mission and programs that bring together history and STEM subjects. Her generosity will allow us to share this work with millions of people, whether onsite or virtually. We are honored that she included us in her plans and are humbled by her friendship. ❙

Thank you for your interest in making a planned gift to the Intrepid Museum. Please use this form to confirm your intentions. Kindly make a copy of this form for your records and return the signed original to the Intrepid Museum. Name Pledge Amount (if applicable) This pledge will be fulfilled via one or a combination of the following—please check all that apply: A bequest in a Last Will and Testament; A bequest in a Living Trust; A percentage designation from an IRA or a qualified pension plan; Death Benefits of a Life Insurance Policy; or ther means acceptable to the Intrepid Museum, O and in keeping with the IRS Code and relevant state and federal law. Name Please indicate exactly how you would like to be listed as a member of the Legacy Society

Address

City State

Zip

Email Phone Gift for General Purpose or with Restriction*

*If at any time in the judgment of the Board of Trustees of the Intrepid Museum the designated use of this bequest is no longer practicable or appropriate, then the Board shall use the bequest to further the general purposes of the Museum, giving consideration, where possible, to my special interest as described above.

Signature

Date

Please sign, date, and return this form with a copy of the relevant portion of your will or other instrument establishing this gift to: Office of Institutional Advancement, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, One Intrepid Square, 46th Street & 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10036



Office of Institutional Advancement One Intrepid Square W. 46th Street & 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10036-4103

NON PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID CENTRAL ISLIP, NY PERMIT NO. 9

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is planning to acquire a Douglas F4D Skyray from the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. The specific Skyray (pictured left) was part of squadron VF-162 and flew from Intrepid in 1961. The Skyray’s development resulted from a Navy requirement in 1947 requesting a carrier-borne, high-altitude fleet protection interceptor. When the Skyray went into operation in 1956 with both the Navy and Marine Corps, it quickly set many speed and time-to-climb records. The Navy, however, needed aircraft capable of performing multiple tasks, including ground attacks. Therefore, as an aircraft designed exclusively for high-altitude interception, the Skyray’s service was rather brief. By 1964, all Skyrays were retired from active service. With the addition of Skyray to our collection, we will be able to share even more stories from Intrepid’s Cold War service and showcase the range of technology required by the crew to achieve their mission.

F4D Skyray BuNo 134836 on Intrepid’s hangar deck, 1961.

Stay tuned for updates on Skyray and visit IntrepidMuseum.org/wheelsup to make a gift and help make this dream a reality!