All Stories

Thirty years ago, on July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act came into effect. This important civil rights law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. Forty-six years earlier, without the protection of law and its accommodations, Alverna Babbs, who had lost both legs as a child, fought to receive a waiver for her student license. When she succeeded, she became the first American pilot with disabilities to earn a pilot’s license.

Curator Margaret Weitekamps shares a new artifact to join our collection: the Congressional Space Medal of Honor awarded to astronaut Neil Armstrong.

At least someone's big summer trip isn't cancelled—NASA is sending another rover to Mars! 

National Air and Space Museum fellow Caroline Johnson remembers the pioneering life of Emily Howell Warner.

Museum director Ellen Stofan reflects on the significance of the United Arab Emirates upcoming mission to Mars.

Curator Jeremy Kinney explores the contribution of Royal Air Force leader Desmond Cooke to the improvement of Supermarine Spitfires prior to the Battle of Britain.

Welcome to Season 3! Today we’re talking about secret space shuttles--seriously! 

Historian Thomas Paone explores the important role played by K-ships in hunting German U-Boats during World War II.

Curator Laurence Burke looks back on the extensive career of Navy pilot Edward L. “Whitey” Feightner

We invite you to Launch a Conversation with your friends and family about launches in American history and what was going on during those times.