Home Page

Utility Navigation

Picture of Aircraft at the Air Zoo in Michigan

Air Zoo Blog

Category: Black Wings

Thursday, Jan 26, 2023

(Almost) the First Black Astronaut

In 1958, the new National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) chose the first astronaut recruits from among U.S. military test pilots. President John F. Kennedy wanted one of those recruits to be a black male pilot. Enter test pilot Edward “Ed” J. Dwight Jr., who became the first black candidate to compete for the astronaut corps in 1962. The U.S. Air Force captain arrived with two-thousand logged miles and impressive credentials. Many supported Ed, including the preside... Read More
at Thursday, Jan 26, 2023
#blackhistory Black History Month Black Wings Exhibit

Monday, Feb 1, 2021

Honoring Black History Month at the Air Zoo - Robert Clare Chandler

From Michigan to Tuskegee to Local Hero  Let's kick things off with Michigan’s Robert Clare Chandler (1922-2004). Clare earned his wings through the experimental black pilots’ program at Alabama’s Tuskegee Institute. Some expected the program to fail, but the Tuskegee program proved successful. Clare served as part of that success.   One of five children born and raised in Allegan, Clare found his aviation pas... Read More
at Monday, Feb 1, 2021
BHM Black History Month Black Wings Clare Chandler Tuskegee

Tags

Come visit us.

  • Trip Advisor Review Real reviews from Trip Advisor reviewers.

    Great place! Very interesting educational and informational! Great place to take the whole family as there is something for young children up to adults!

    blackeyedsusan2018
    Tripadvisor Logo
  • Trip Advisor Review Real reviews from Trip Advisor reviewers.

    We took our grown daughters and young grandsons to the Air Zoo. It was very entertaining for all of us. There is so much to see and do. Rides for the whole family!

    Rick C
    Tripadvisor Logo