The Summer of '69 perhaps the greatest and most defining summer in American history. The country desperately needed a respite from the year before. 1968 was as bad as 1969 was “good.” The Chicago Democratic Convention was certainly a watershed event. And of course the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy defined that year. After assassinations, riots, wars and general social unrest, the country needed hope, inspiration and rest. That was the summer of '69... when amazing things happened.

Apollo 11
On July 20, 1969, After hundreds of thousands of years of occupancy, mankind at last left the planet and took the first steps on a world that was not his own. Apollo Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin became the first human beings in history to walk on the moon, and a Grumman Lunar Module is what got them there.

Woodstock
The Woodstock Music and Arts Fair began on August 15, 1969 and ran throughout the weekend. 186,000 tickets were sold for the concert, but when more showed up than expected, it became a free concert drawing over 1/2 million young men and women to listen to some of the best Rock and Roll acts of the 1960s. It is known as one of the most pivotal moments in American culture and Rock and Roll history.

The idea for the 1969 Woodstock Music & Art Fair, known simply as the "Woodstock Festival," was conceived by friends Michael Lang and Artie and Linda Kornfeld at the Kornfeld's apartment in Manhattan. Together, they were joined by entrepreneurs Joel Rosenman and John Roberts to become the team responsible for organizing this landmark event that defined an entire generation -- the "Woodstock Generation."

Artie Kornfeld is a legendary composer, publisher, producer, manager and promoter. Born in Brooklyn and having grown-up on New York's Long Island, Artie exhibited an interest in music at an early age, and began pursuing his musical career while still in high school. By the time he was 24, Kornfeld had written many top Billboard 100 hit songs, including "The Pied Piper," and was hired as the first-ever Vice President of Rock & Roll in the music industry by Capitol Records. Artists signed, developed and/or promoted by Artie include Neil Young, Survivor, Debbi Harry, Bruce Springsteen, Jan and Dean, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge and many more. Artie will be at the exhibit to meet and greet people on Saturday July 12 from 11am-1pm and 2-4pm.

Miracle Mets
During the Summer of 69 the nation also witnessed one of the largest turnarounds in MLB history. The "Miracle Mets," had risen from the depths of mediocrity and achieved the first winning record in Mets history. The 1969 Mets became the first expansion team to win a division title, a pennant, and the World Series, winning in only their eighth year of existence.

In all the Summer of '69 was a period when our Nation was able to take a deep breath from the tumultuous times; it was a remarkable few months filled with pride, excitement and hope. The events of 45 years ago still resonate with the world today and even still help shape our future.

The Cradle of Aviation Museum will celebrate the Summer of '69 through a series of events. Including Apollo Astronaut visits, dinners, lectures, a Summer of '69 Exhibit filled with Woodstock, Apollo and Mets nostalgia and more.

Please join us for this very special celebration!

An evening with Apollo Astronauts Fred Haise and Walt Cunningham
July 11th, 7:30PM-8:30PM, public lecture with Astronauts Walter Cunningham (Apollo 7) and Fred Haise (Apollo 13). To purchase your ticket Please call reservations at 516-572-4066 (Monday-Friday, 10AM-4PM) or purchase online here, tickets are $20, seating is limited.

Summer of '69 Exhibit
July 12th opening of the Summer of '69 Exhibit - come see over 50 photographs of the Apollo missions on loan from Mr. George Tibball, 35 Woodstock photographs and artifacts from Elliott Landy and the Museum at Bethel Woods, nostalgic artifacts including a Armstrong Space Suit, Mets memorabilia and more. Open during regular museum hours, free with museum admission. Exhibit will be open through September 1. Artie Kornfeld, Woodstock organizer will on hand at the opening on July 12 from 11am-1pm and 2-4pm to meet and greet celebrants.

Lunar Module Worker Reunion
July 12th 12PM-4PM, Lunar Module Worker Reunion - open to all of those who worked on the Apollo Program. Gather with fellow LM workers, visit with Apollo astronauts, see rare NASA video footage, and author Jonathan Ward will give a talk on his book, "All Systems Go: Apollo/Saturn Launch Operations at Kennedy Space Center." Admission is free, but reservations are required. Please call Reservations at 516-572-4066 (Monday-Friday, 10AM-4PM).

Apollo 11 45th Anniversary Dinner
July 12th, 6:00PM, Apollo 11 45th Anniversary Dinner and Q&A session with astronauts Fred Haise, Buzz Aldrin and Walter Cunningham. The cost is $100 per person and $50 for LM workers. Sorry, no autographs. For more event info, please contact Carol Nelson at 516-572-4026 or to purchase tickets please contact Reservations at 516-572-4066 (Monday-Friday, 10AM-4PM).

Miracle Mets
Stay tuned for an event planned for September with members of the '69 Miracle Mets.