Industry and Community
Explore the heritage of aviation
In The Industry and Community pod, exhibits are designed to share and interpret the stories of those historical figures, events, and transformations responsible for the colossal impact of aviation on the local and statewide communities. Museum exhibits will link the past with the future of aviation in the Southeast, in the State of Georgia, and in Cobb County. Interactive, hands-on exhibits that entice and excite visitors of all ages and backgrounds will explore aviation heritage and history in ways that appeal to all types of learning styles.
Identifying the Need
According to the American Association
for State and Local History
(AASLH), a number of reports
indicate that schools nationwide
face serious challenges in teaching history to young people. As a
result, U.S. students have little
interest in history and lack the
ability to see how history relates
to current and future events in
their lives. This trend is disturbing
as, “…their knowledge and
understanding of leading figures,
important events, and transforming
changes is sketchy, their
grasp of the methods of historical
inquiry immature, their ability to
bring the past into their own lives underdeveloped.” AASLH, 1999.
Topic Description
At the AMMG, visitors gain knowledge and insight into aviation heritage and history, starting with early attempts to fly, the origins of flying machines, and lesser known figures during the pre-Wright Brothers period. Special attention will be given to the practical uses of aviation, particularly in World War I with the development of more powerful engines and moreefficient structures that permitted carrying useful loads. In a similar manner, exhibits will highlight aviation history in World War II with the establishment of the Bell Bomber Plant in Marietta, Georgia.
At the local level, museum exhibits will explore how a sleepy farm town emerged as the airlift capital of the world—going from cotton field hands to producers of the state-of-the-art aircraft. The stories of the Plant’s development will cover the lives of the workers, particularly those of women and minorities who were new to the workplace and the impact this had on the aviation industry, the community, and the nation. In addition, the AMMG will explore current Equal Employment Opportunity policy and its relationship to the Bell Bomber Plant, Lockheed, and Lockheed-Martin of today.
At the national and international levels, museum exhibitsthe Berlin Wall where Marietta’s favorit son, Gen. Lucius Clay will be honored and the Berlin Airlift (1948 and 1949) will be explored. Historical periods such as these will be brought to life using traditional and non-traditional means of presenting history including video, flight simulators, and re-enactments. In the Industry and Community pod, aviation heritage and history will also be featured from the perspectives of business and government, especially the military.
Specific topics in the Industry and Community area will reflect upon some of the greatest accomplishments in aviation history as a result of the following aircraft:
- B-29 Superfortress
- B-47 Stratojet
- C-130 Hercules
- C-140 JetStar/L-1329
- C-141 StarLifter
- C-5 Galaxy
- F-22 Raptor
- P-3 Orion
The AMMG will use
relevant, real life examples
to bring these topics alive
wherever possible. To do this, the AMMG will call upon its dedicated
cadre of 100+ volunteers, many
of whom work in or retired from
the aviation industry. Doing so
lends credibility and credence to
the stories that are unique to the AMMG as many volunteers are
themselves trained engineers and
scientists with ties to one of the
region’s strongest industries-aviation.
Intended Impact
The short-term goal of The
Industry and Community pod
is to inspire critical thought
and historic inquiry into
aviation--its history, heritage,
and impact on the
nation. Visitors will reflect
on how the introduction
of aviation not only
changed the lives of their
ancestors but also affects
their lives today. The longterm
goal would be to see agreater portion of AMMG visitors,
particularly children and youth,
enter fields of study and employment
related to STEM disciplines
and aviation. The AMMG actively
works with and seeks out partnerships
with key educational institutions
at all levels in order to offer
support and affect pedagogy and
receive guidance and feedback.
Outcomes
- Generate interest and provide exposure to aviation history and heritage.
- Provide opportunities for aviation immersion activities, using entertaining and educational concepts.
- Contribute to the development
of the STEM workforce
by offering unique opportunities
for study, volunteerism,
and employment.
