The public is invited to the Indian Center’s Family Flight Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday, June 28 for a chance to learn more about American Indians’ contribution to aviation during World War II as well as gain insight into the community they helped to build here. The day includes a special free screening of the Indians in Aviation film and half-price museum admission. The Indian Center is located at 650 N. Seneca.
The 90-minute Indians in Aviation documentary, which was commissioned by the Indian Center, is a companion to an exhibit of the same name that is currently on display in the Indian Center Museum. The film in its entirety will be shown at 10 a.m. in Buffalo Hall. It highlights the previously untold stories of the American Indians who worked behind the scenes building airplanes at Boeing Wichita, Cessna Aircraft Co. and Beech Aircraft. A 15-minute version plays on a loop in the Museum. The DVD is available for purchase in the Indian Center Gift Shop.
After the screening, visitors are invited to take advantage of all-day half-price Museum admission. In the Museum, guests will find the “Indians in Aviation” exhibit as well as two other extensive exhibits – one that focuses on famed American Indian artist Blackbear Bosin and another that examines the sacred aspects of feathers.
For decades, flight and aviation have been important parts of Wichita’s identity. They also played a significant role in the founding of the Mid-America All-Indian Center.
The Indian Center is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Regular admission is $7 for adults and $3 for youth ages 6-12. Children under 6 are admitted free of charge. For more information, go to TheIndianCenter.org or call 316-350-3340