Dear Museum Supporter:

We are pleased to announce that the 23nd Annual Air & Space Gala will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026.

The Gala provides much-needed support for the expansion of the museum’s historical preservation efforts and its many educational programs. These programs include our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs at the middle and high school level, our STEM partnerships with elementary schools throughout the area, and our workforce development efforts with the aerospace industry. The Gala serves as an opportunity to honor the historical events and the accomplishments of leaders in the aerospace community.

From Orbit to Runway: The Future of Flight in Motion

This year, we are honoring leaders shaping exploration, innovation, and global aviation. We are fortunate to have a uniquely qualified list of guests to help us mark the occasion. Our honored guests will include:

Astronaut William Shepherd, Commander of Expedition 1; the first crew to live and work aboard the International Space Station.
Robin Hayes, Chairman and CEO of Airbus in North America.
Steve Thody, Chief Executive Officer of JFK Millennium Partners, the Vantage company managing JFK International Airport’s Terminal 7 and redeveloping the new Terminal 6.

Through your support, you can play a significant role in helping the Cradle remain a leading educational center for STEM on Long Island, and inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, pilots, and astronauts.

Please join our efforts by reserving tickets, becoming a sponsor, placing an ad in our tribute journal, or donating an auction item.

Online reservations have closed. Please call 516-572-4066 (Mon-Fri, 10-4) for any remaining availability.

For additional information, please contact:

Carol Nelson
Director of Development
Phone: 516-572-4026
Email: cnelson@cradleofaviation.org