AVIATION LECTURE SERIES

A free lecture series sponsored by Collins Aerospace.

2026-2027 Lectures

October 22

The Mechanical Boy
Discovering an Aviation Legacy

Speaker: Diana Bittern

-Author & Daughter of the Story’s Orphan

*Author signing & books available

November 19

Wing-Riding and Airshow Flying
Charlie Taylor Award Recognition

Speakers: Bob & Pat Wagner

-Pilots & Former Airshow Performers

December 17

Can We Go Flying?
A Lifelong Love of Flying

Speaker: Jennifer Saddler Thomas

-WACO Aviation Educator, Pilot & Author

*Family-Friendly Book-Reading

*Author signing & books available

January 21

Grimes Flying Lab
The Legacy of Warren G. Grimes

Speaker: Jessica Deere

-Museum Coordinator

February 18

Winged Commandos
American Gliders & Their Pilots in WWII

Speaker: Philippe Esvelin

-French Historian & Author

*Author signing & books available

March 18

The Return of the Moss Gee Bee
Recent Restoration & Return to Flight

Speakers: Bill Knisley & Doug Smith

-Mid-America Flight Museum Restoration Specialists

April 15

Memories of a Marauder Man
WWII B-26 Bomber Crewman Stories

Speaker: Tom Girz

-Son of WWII B-26 Bomber Crewman

May 20

Flying Fighters During the Cold War
Flying Experiences in F-111s, F-4s & F-16s

Speaker: Jerry Kemp

-Lt. Col. (Ret.) USAF, Pilot