#tbt - Rocket Girls
They did the math. They conducted the experiments. Then they conquered Space.
We’re talking about the “Rocket Girls” whose brains and bravery helped launch America into Outer Space and a pivotal place in world history.
Then they flew there.
Perhaps there’s no better synopsis of the role of women in America’s Space program than the exhibit designed and created by the International Women’s Air & Space Museum of Cleveland.
It’s called “Rocket Girls.”
Fortunately for us and our patrons, it’s currently on display at the Middletown location of MidPointe Library.
It seems only fitting that a prestigious institution like the women’s space museum is located in Ohio. After all, the Buckeye State has been the Earthbound home of many a Space pioneer (think Wright Brothers, John Glenn and Neal Armstrong), industries that have contributed much to the Space program and of course, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in the Dayton area.
Indeed, we “Buckeyes” are quite proud of our association with aeronautics and sisters in Space :
Dr. Judith Resnik of Akron, the engineer/pilot who was killed in the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger in 1986. (The catastrophe also took the life of the first teacher in space, Christa McAuliffe)
Sunita Williams of Euclid, who “holds the record for total cumulative Spacewalk time by a female astronaut” *
Mary Ellen Weber of Cleveland, who has “logged over 800 hours flying as a pilot and has logged 3,500 skydives since 1983 * and...
Nancy J. Currie of Troy, who has “logged over 4,000 flying hours and 454 hours in Space.” *
To locate the “Rocket Girls” exhibit (and a few library books about women in aviation), just look up like all Space enthusiasts do!
You’re sure to spot a red-and-yellow replica of an Aeronca 7AC Champion plane suspended from the ceiling above the display site.
The “Champion” serves as a reminder of the importance of the aviation (and related industries) in this area. It was one of the most popular, private-use planes produced post-World War II by Aeronca, a Middletown, Ohio, company that produced many a plane for use during WWII. Since then, Aeronca has transitioned into a world-renowned leader in the aerospace industry.
See you soon at MidPointe Library-Middletown. And don’t forget to…
Keep looking up!
Source :
*The website of the Armstrong Air & Space Museum, (Wapakoneta, Ohio):
https://armstrongmuseum.org/
Let MidPointe Library be your ticket to Space by attending our “Summer Reading Program” themed “A Universe of Stories” June 1 through July 31 at our five locations! All ages are welcome to participate!
Check out books, keep track of your reading and win prizes for your reading efforts!
Enjoy visits by special guests at our Space-themed events! At our Middletown location, don’t forget to stop by the “Rocket Girls” display to learn about the women who helped make the Space program possible.
You’ll have so much fun in our “Universe of Stories” that time will just fly by!
MidPointe libraries are located in Middletown, West Chester, Trenton, Monroe, Liberty Township (2nd floor, Liberty Center). Books and staff also travel onboard our “Library On Wheels” Bookmobile.
