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Image: Black and white photograph of a large 'sausage-type' balloon flying high above the viewer on the ground. Text: 'Eyes to the Sky: / A Story of American Balloonacy'

Eyes to the Sky: A Story of American Balloonacy

Sunday, July 7 - 2 p.m. Central Time Zoom Conference

Ascending to French skies nearly 6,000 times during World War I, the American Expeditionary Forces Balloon Section provided invaluable reconnaissance for soldiers on the ground. While the balloon operators – or “balloonatics,” as they called themselves – were light on their feet navigating this element of aerial warfare, their work was no light feat.

Fly along with novelist Charles Lutz, author of “Eyes to the Sky,” as he recounts the true experience of 2nd Lt. Herbert Hudnut and the fateful incident that would set the trajectory of his life after the war – and inspire a novel.

Free with RSVP | Zoom Conference

Register on Zoom

 

Learn more about “Balloons and Dirigibles in WWI”

See the rare observation balloon basket in the Museum and Memorial's collection

 


 

Hosted in conjunction with the exhibition

Mail Call


On envelopes carrying letters to his son, John Ross Myers carefully painted cartoons, scenes of camp life, patriotic symbols, mythological figures and expressive scenes of the American Expeditionary Forces at work “over there.” Today, Myers’s work speaks to viewers through the years, communicating both a unique artistic perspective of the war and a father’s love for his child.

 

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Background: creamy vintage paper texture. Image: Painting of a red/white/blue hot air balloon with U.S. flags for wings. Text: 'Mail Call'