National Air and Space Museum Acquires Art, Objects Recalling Balloons of Early Flight Years

PRESS RELEASE – The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum has acquired a collection of more than 1,000 works of art, prints, objects and other materials documenting early human flight, beginning with balloons.The museum announced this month that it has acquired the Evelyn Way Kendall Ballooning and Early Aviation Collection.The collection recalls the excitement at the first sights of colorful balloons rising into the air in Europe in 1783. At the time, many people sought out images of the balloons and the men and women who flew them.Kendall began collecting memorabilia from the early days of flight in the 1920s and amassed a large collection. Highlights include paintings of balloon flights in Europe, America and Japan.The collection was donated by the Norfolk Charitable Trust based in Sharon, Massachusetts.

Moreno Aguiari

Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.

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