A Macy's Miracle, Says Museum CEO; Civil War Balloon to Take Flight With Last-Minute Helium Donation
Public Excursions on the Intrepid to Begin July 4 at Genesee Country Village & Museum
(firmenpresse) - MUMFORD, NY -- (Marketwire) -- 06/18/12 -- When the CEO of the (GCV&M; ) set out last year to build and fly the world's first replica of a Civil War manned balloon -- the Intrepid -- little did he know his dream could collapse from a nationwide helium shortage. But he also didn't bargain that one of the country's most iconic retailers would step forward to deliver a miracle at the last minute, literally raising the project off the ground.
Thanks to the generous support of -- a brand synonymous with the giant helium-filled balloons that grace Manhattan's skies every Thanksgiving morning -- the Intrepid will begin flying this July 4 outside of Rochester, N.Y. Weather permitting, the balloon will take guests 300 feet (32 stories) into the sky, simulating what some of the world's first military pilots (a.k.a. aeronauts) experienced 150 years ago.
"We were looking for a miracle. The Museum was seemingly out of options to secure helium after having placed innumerable calls to dealers, government officials and even decommissioned research laboratories across the U.S.," said Peter Arnold, GCV&M's CEO and president. "Then we heard from Macy's, which was able to donate the 50,000 cubic feet we needed. We're simply ecstatic, as we were within days of having to suspend our opening. 'The Magic of Macy's' has never been more real."
First announced this past February, the Intrepid project has captured the imagination of families, educators, historians and aviation enthusiasts across North America. Renowned documentary filmmaker and adventure balloonist and Virgin Group Chairman have both praised the historic reconstruction.
"Supporting education is an important aspect of our community giving, made even more relevant in this case since Macy's was founded during the Civil War era," said Russell Schutte, senior vice president / director of stores, Macy's Midwest. "With our unique connection to helium ballooning, we had the opportunity to help Genesee Country Village & Museum fulfill its dream to open this one-of-a-kind, interactive exhibit. The result will benefit not only the people of Western New York, but visitors who will travel from across the U.S. and overseas to experience the wonder and history of flight."
Featuring its signature giant helium character balloons, the takes place on Thursday, November 22.
Conceived by Professor Thaddeus Lowe, the Union Army Balloon Corps was personally approved by President Abraham Lincoln in June 1861. Not only was the Intrepid the predecessor to modern-day military aviation, but it also foreshadowed the future of military reconnaissance communications. The pilot would send intelligence information -- troop movements, artillery compensation instructions, and more -- to soldiers on the ground via telegraph.
Like the original seven gas balloons used by the Union Army during the Civil War, the Intrepid is tethered to land for optimal convenience and safety. Visitors -- up to four at a time -- will have the opportunity to take 15-minute flights for a nominal cost in addition to their museum entry fee.
A team of prominent advisors is assisting with the project, including Tom D. Crouch, Ph.D., senior curator of Aeronautics for the ; Jim Green, director, Planetary Science Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); and Rob Shenk, director, Internet Strategy & Development, .
For more information, visit or follow the museum on Twitter at .
Genesee Country Village & Museum helps visitors understand the lives and times of 19th-century America through interactive programs, events and exhibits. It is the largest and most comprehensive living history museum in New York State and maintains the third largest collection of historic buildings in the United States. The 700-acre complex consists of 68 historic structures furnished with 15,000 artifacts to provide an authentic 19th-century environment in which visitors can interact with knowledgeable, third-person historic interpreters in period-appropriate dress. For more information, please visit .
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Mike McDougall
McDougall Travers Collins for Genesee Country Village & Museum
585-789-1623
Andrea Schwartz
Macy's, Inc.
312-399-8934
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Datum: 18.06.2012 - 14:25 Uhr
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