Celebrate 250 at the Cradle
Exploring America’s Air & Space Story – From Early Flight to the Future
Garden City, NY, February 2026 – The Cradle of Aviation Museum’s America 250 Celebration examines the people, places, and innovations that have shaped American aviation and aerospace — with Long Island at the center of that story, from past breakthroughs to future possibilities. The Celebration includes exhibits, speaker series, film screenings, interactive educational experiences, and public and family programs leading into the national commemoration on July 4, 2026.
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Upcoming and Ongoing Events
The Future Is Now: AI & Robotics in Transportation
Opened February 14, 2026
This interactive exhibit explores how artificial intelligence and robotics are shaping the next chapter of American innovation. Through hands-on demonstrations and real-world applications, the exhibit highlights emerging technologies and future careers, connecting today’s advancements to a broader legacy of experimentation and problem-solving.
Artemis II Launch Watch Party
Launch Date: To Be Announced
The Museum will host a free public watch party for NASA’s Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight of the Artemis program. The mission sends four astronauts on a journey around the Moon and back to Earth, marking the next step in America’s return to deep space exploration.
Art at War: Squadron Insignia from the Curtiss Collection
April 4 through September 6, 2026
This traveling exhibit features original aviation insignia artwork from World War I and World War II. Painted squadron panels once displayed on military aircraft illustrate how early aviation units used symbols, imagery, and design to establish identity and build morale during pivotal moments in American aviation history.
Shaping the Future — Grumman Concept Art Exhibit
April 4 through September 6, 2026
Exhibit featuring 27 original aircraft and spacecraft concept artworks developed by Grumman Aerospace on Long Island, including studies for the Lunar Module and F-14 Tomcat. Many of the designs were never built but were part of America’s air and space planning, reflecting Long Island’s role in aerospace development.
The Aline Rhonie Mural: The Pre-Lindbergh Era of American Aviation
April 30, 2026
The unveiling of the restored Aline Rhonie mural marked the official launch of the Museum’s America 250 Celebration. Originally painted on the wall of Hangar F at Roosevelt Field, the 100-foot mural chronicles the formative years of American aviation from 1909 through 1927 and portrays more than 500 aviators and aircraft. Its return honors the achievements that helped establish Long Island as the Cradle of Aviation.
Cradle Con 2026 – Celebrating GI Joe, An American Hero
May 16-17, 2026
Long Island's only non-profit comic, collectible, and pop culture con in support of the Cradle. This year, we celebrate an American Hero: GI Joe. More...
The Great American Air & Space Trail - Audio Tour
June 2026
This Museum-wide self-guided audio tour uses QR codes placed throughout the galleries to guide visitors through key milestones in American aviation and space history — from early flight and the space race to modern exploration.
14th Annual Long Island Air and Space Hall of Fame Luncheon
June 2026
Each year, the Long Island Air & Space Hall of Fame honors those individuals who have played a major role in advancing aeronautical and technological achievement. Your support of this program will assist the museum in our efforts to educate school children throughout the region on the role that Long Island has played and will continue to play in aerospace history.
UFOlogy: Close Encounters at the Cradle
June 27, 2026
Full-day public program exploring aviation, aerospace, and emerging technology, featuring keynote speakers, educational activities, and an evening drone show highlighting modern aviation systems.
Into America's Wild - Giant Screen Presentation
July 2026
Into America’s Wild will be presented in the Museum’s Theater and Planetarium, exploring American landscapes, innovation, and aerial excellence.
An Evening with Astronaut John Harrington
October 2026
Native American astronaut and former NASA mission specialist, featured in Into America’s Wild as a trailblazer exploring North America’s natural heritage.
About the Cradle of Aviation Museum
Located on Museum Row in Garden City, the Cradle of Aviation Museum is home to more than 75 aircraft and spacecraft spanning over 100 years of aviation history. It is also home to Long Island’s only Giant Screen Dome Theater — the Catholic Health Sky Theater Planetarium.
