The Cradle of Aviation Museum cordially invites you to a commemorative sculpture unveiling and dedication ceremony honoring the late astronaut Dr. Sally Ride. The unveiling and celebration take place on Friday, June 17, 2022, at 11 am at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. The Press is invited to attend at 11 am.
The sculpture, a dramatic accent to the grounds of the museum depicts Dr. Ride in her Space Shuttle In-Flight Suit. The statue, titled “The First American Woman in Space “is a gift to the Cradle of Aviation Museum. The project’s title sponsors are Matson Family Foundation, Peter Diamandis: on behalf of the XPRIZE Foundation, and Maria Shriver.
The seven-foot-tall gold and bronze statue was created by Colorado-based sculptors and brothers George and Mark Lundeen, working with fellow artist, Joey Bainer. The statue will welcome visitors in front of the museum and feature an engraving that honors Dr. Ride.
A prototype of the monument features a sculpture of Ms. Ride standing proudly and holding a space shuttle, aimed for the heavens. Lundeen Sculpture, Loveland, Colorado, is creating the sculpture. Credits: Lundeen Sculpture, Steven C Barber
The sculpture was made possible by Documentary Filmmaker, Steven C. Barber. “It is my great hope that once Sally Ride is unveiled, it will open the floodgates to other monuments for high-achieving American women in STEM,” said Mr. Barber.
The Museum is holding an essay contest for middle and high school students centered on the life and achievements of Dr. Ride as well as her contribution to space exploration. The winner of the contest will unveil the monument dedicated to Dr. Ride.
Ride, who died in 2012, made history on June 18, 1983, when she became the first American woman and the youngest American to soar into space as she traveled aboard the space shuttle Challenger. After her historic spaceflight, Ride saw that her example was a powerful tool for inspiring young people, especially girls, to pursue careers in science. After her second launch on the shuttle, Ride left NASA to become a physics professor and a champion for improving science education. She founded her own company, Sally Ride Science, to pursue her passion for motivating girls and young women to pursue careers in science, math, and technology – STEM.
About the Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center
The Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center is home to over 75 planes and spacecraft representing over 100 years of aviation history and Long Island’s only Giant Screen Dome Theater. The museum is located on Museum Row, Charles Lindbergh Blvd., in East Garden City. For more information call (516) 572-4111 or visit www.cradleofaviation.org.
