A historical and immersive experience for the entire family
Beginning June 6, Conner Prairie will ascend to new heights with the addition of the museum’s newest exhibition, 1859 Balloon Voyage. This extraordinary, immersive experience is an exciting introduction to Indiana’s aviation history. This authentic experience broadens Conner Prairie’s educational offerings and sets the institution apart from other outdoor history attractions.
“As a learning institution, it is exciting to find fun and relevant ways to take education to new heights,” stated Ellen Rosenthal, president and CEO of Conner Prairie. “Conner Prairie is envisioning a new model for the outdoor history museum where our legendary first person interpretation is complemented by new educational facets starting with the 1859 Balloon Voyage exhibit.”
Funded by private donations and grants, this $2.2 million adventure details the August 1859 launch of a manned balloon that would, for the first time, demonstrate the viability of cross country air transportation and carry the first airmail delivery by the U.S. Postal Service. The voyage involved a giant, gas-filled balloon bound for New York City and John Wise, a scientific pioneer in the exploration of manned flight. When winds blew in the wrong direction, however, the mammoth balloon launched from Lafayette, Ind., landed near Crawfordsville, Ind. The mail was ultimately delivered to New York City by train, and the U.S. Postal Service still deemed the venture a success.
Construction of the project began in January 2009 with the transformation of Clowes Common located directly behind the Museum Center. The Common will be renovated to house an exhibit experience which will represent a recreated 1859 Lafayette town square on the day John Wise began his historic journey.
Advisor to the project, Tom Crouch, Ph.D., Senior Curator of the Division of Aeronautics at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum, said of Conner Prairie’s plan, “I have been waiting for years for someone to try something like this in a solid historical setting. All in all, it seems like a wonderful way to introduce visitors to the earliest chapter in the history of flight in America.”
The centerpiece of the exhibition will be a voyage 350 feet above the prairie onboard a tethered, helium-filled balloon. Built by Aerophile, a French company known for tethered balloons around the world, Conner Prairie’s tethered balloon is a lightweight flying device requiring strict safety and operating practices. Each voyage will fly as atmospheric conditions allow and require an additional ticket and fee.
The balloon exhibit provides a new opportunity for families to learn about the science of aviation through the lens of history. There are several hands-on learning interactive components in addition to the balloon voyage that can carry up to 20 guests and last approximately 10-15 minutes in a secure, enclosed structure with a viewing area called a gondola.
John Wise’s 1859 balloon launch presented Conner Prairie with the opportunity to bring this unique piece of Indiana history to guests of all ages. This year marks the 150th anniversary of an important chapter of Indiana’s and the nation’s past. The weekend of June 6 will be filled with fun and engaging festivities to commemorate and celebrate Conner Prairie’s transformation through this unique experience.