Winging It
America's Smithsonian Project Direct Michael Carrigan lends a hand with a wing of the Wright Brothers "Vin Fiz" airplane. The wing has just been unloaded from its custom-made, climate-controlled transport trailer, and is being carried to its display platform in the Discovery Gallery. This is the first time the "Vin Fiz" bi-plane has traveled in the United States. It is the plane that made the first U.S. transcontinental flight in 1911. (Smithsonian Photo by Hugh Talman)
Director Michael Carrigan talks with members of the Los Angeles Police Department in front Richard Petty's Number 43 NASCAR stock car. The car is on display in the Remembering Gallery. (Smithsonian Photo by Hugh Talman)
Conservation Coordinator Tracey Shields, Project Manager Ellen Dorn, and Exhibit Director Michael Carrigan examine the "Orteg Check", $25,000 presented to Charles Lindbergh by New York hotelier Raymond Orteig after Lindbergh completed the first transatlantic flight in 1927.(Smithsonian Photo by Hugh Talman)
Paul Fox of Drama Lighting uses the latest fiber optics to light the Edison light bulb display. The television monitor displays the signal from a camera pointed at the case which allows Fox to precisely aim the fiber optics.(Smithsonian Photo by Hugh Talman)
Registrars Wendy Turman, Merrill Lavine, and Ruth Ann Uithol work with conservators Barbara Allen and Rebecca Englehardt to stage minerals and gems outside the "Cave".(Smithsonian Photo by Hugh Talman)
Smithsonian Undersecretary Constance Newman (right) discusses the installation with Designer Kathlee Tobin. (Smithsonian Photo by Hugh Talman)