THIS SUMMER, SEATTLE WILL WELCOME A REMARKABLE BLEND OF AVIATION, HISTORY AND COMMUNITY CELEBRATION as the Renton-built 737
National Archives Freedom Plane makes its final National Tour stop at the Museum of History & Industry( MOHAI).
In celebration of America’ s 250th anniversary, and timed during Seattle’ s annual Seafair festival, the exhibit will give visitors a rare opportunity to see nine of the nation’ s most important founding-era documents up close. From July 30 through Aug. 16, the documents will be on display free and open to the public at MOHAI, offering a once-in-a-generation chance to connect with the nation’ s origin story in the heart of Seattle.
A BOEING 737 CARRYING HISTORY
At the center of the tour is a specially outfitted, Rentonbuilt Boeing 737 in commemorative livery known as the National Archives Freedom Plane. In partnership with the National Archives Foundation, the nonprofit partner of the National Archives, Boeing is supporting the tour by providing the airplane, the flight crew, and operational support to carry the documents to eight U. S. cities.
“ The Freedom Plane tour is a powerful reminder that the stories of flight and the stories of our country are linked— by curiosity, sacrifice and the work of countless people throughout our nation’ s history,” said Bill
McSherry, Boeing vice president of State Advocacy & Global Engagement.“ Boeing is proud to play a role in marking America’ s 250th anniversary and in bringing this experience to Seattle.”
Inspired by the Freedom Train that carried historic documents across the country during the Bicentennial, the Freedom Plane National Tour brings original foundingera records from the National Archives to select cultural institutions nationwide. Seattle is the final stop on the journey, a fitting destination for an aircraft that connects America’ s past with its present.
A NATURAL HOME AT MOHAI
The exhibit’ s arrival carries special meaning for MOHAI as well. Boeing’ s relationship with the museum dates back to 1945 when the company awarded MOHAI a $ 50,000 grant that helped establish a long-standing partnership. Over the years, that relationship has included the display of Boeing artifacts, including the B-1 Sea Plane, Boeing’ s first commercial aircraft.
“ These documents help tell the story of where our country began, and it’ s exciting to be able to share them with people right here in Seattle,” said MOHAI Executive Director Leonard Garfield.“ For families, students and lifelong learners alike, this is a chance to experience history up close and make a personal connection with the ideas and events that shaped the nation.”
20 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS