LOS ANGELES, Feb. 8, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) is sponsoring the Heritage Family Day Series at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. The series celebrates the rich fabric of American culture and aims to educate visitors of all ages about the social and cultural contribution of African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asians and women to aviation and space exploration. This is the third consecutive year that the company is sponsoring this series.
The series opens on Feb. 9 at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center with African American Pioneers in Aviation, which showcases the contributions of African Americans to aviation and space exploration. Visitors will have the chance to meet members of the Tuskegee Airmen, African American pilots who flew during World War II, and be inspired by their determination and perseverance. The second African American Pioneers in Aviation, on Feb. 23 at the National Mall Building, will feature astronaut Col. B. Alvin Drew along with the Tuskegee Airmen and current pilots.
"The Family Day Series reaches out to traditionally underserved populations and increases awareness of the great achievements of these diverse groups in aerospace," said Sandra Evers-Manly, vice president of corporate responsibility for Northrop Grumman. "Learning about this history will hopefully inspire the next generation and spark their interest in math, science and engineering."
On March 8, the Women in Aviation and Space Day will allow visitors to learn about the accomplishments of Bessie Coleman, the Women Air Force Service Pilots, Sally Ride, and other women who have contributed to aviation, science, and space exploration. A week later, on March 15, Kites of Asia will give visitors the chance to listen to tales about century-old kite-making traditions, meet Asian kite experts, and make their own kites.
During Explore the Universe Day on April 19, museum visitors can examine methods used to study the night sky, learn about the early Native American astronomy as well as the latest astronomical research. The last program in the Heritage Family Day series, Living and Working in Space, on Oct. 4 will demonstrate how astronauts live, work and play in space.
For more information about the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's Family Day series, please visit: http://www.nasm.si.edu/
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $32 billion global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.