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Conner Prairie 1859 Balloon Voyage Exhibit Fact Sheet

10/10/2008

Conner Prairie’s proposed exhibit commemorates a pioneering event in aviation history, while preserving an important part of the state’s history and continuing its mission to stimulate curiosity about Indiana’s past.

The exhibit preserves the story of a significant event in Indiana’s aviation history and the earliest chapter in the history of flight in America.

The experience transports museum guests back in time to 1859 Lafayette, Ind., a time of great excitement over the promise of manned flight.
The exhibit is unique to Conner Prairie and offers an authentic historical experience.
The 1859 Balloon Voyage is an immersive and interactive learning experience that culminates in a voyage 350 feet above the prairie onboard a tethered helium-filled balloon.
The exhibit fulfills the museum’s mission of fostering learning and inspiring curiosity about Indiana’s past by offering opportunities that are fun, exciting and educational.
The exhibit is planned to open in June 2009, pending a text amendment by the Town of Fishers to its zoning ordinance.
2009 marks the 150th anniversary of the Lafayette balloon launch.

Michelle Runzer
Marketing Communications Director
Conner Prairie
317.214.4498
Fax: 317.776.6014
E-mail: runzer@connerprairie.org