50 years ago, on July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin took one giant leap for mankind, walking on the surface of the moon for the first time ever.
This momentous event is being celebrated in a big way this July! Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing with one of these out-of-this-world, family-friendly events in Cincinnati.
Here’s where to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing in Cincinnati:
Cincinnati Museum Center’s Neil Armstrong Space Exploration Gallery
Earlier this year, the Cincinnati Museum Center unveiled one of its most impressive exhibits to date: the Neil Armstrong Space Exploration Gallery. Presented by Harold C. Schott Foundation, the Neil Armstrong Space Exploration Gallery is a new permanent exhibit that celebrates the legacy of the Apollo 11 mission. The gallery features unique artifacts and equipment from the Apollo 11 mission, plus lots of fun, kid-friendly interactives. The coolest part about the Neil Armstrong Space Exploration Gallery is the theatre. It’s a 360 degree room with three large screens spanning the sides, plus additional screens on the floor. In this room, you’ll get to experience something magical: the Apollo 11 mission plays out on each screen, from the Saturn V’s takeoff from the Kennedy Space Center, up through the atmosphere, into outer space and toward the Moon, culminating in Armstrong’s famous first steps on the Moon.
On July 20, join CMC for Space Day, where you’ll find programs happening throughout the museum! All events are free for CMC Members or included with a Discovery Pass.
Programs happening in the Neil Armstrong Space Exploration Gallery:
- 10 a.m. to noon: Make your own space helmet
- Various times: Mars Rover Challenge
Programs happening in the Duke Energy Children’s Museum:
- 11 a.m. Living In Space
- 2 p.m. Moon Rocks, Moon Impacts
- 2 p.m. SewWHAT? Constellation Embroidery in KidSPACE
Programs happening in the STEM Lab (Mezz Level):
- 11 a.m. Holocaust & Humanity Center Gallery Talk: Tiny Torah in Space (free)
- 3 p.m. Elements: Fe
Looking ahead, this fall, the CMC will be hosting Destination Moon: The Apollo 11 Mission! The exhibition celebrates the 50th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 mission and explores the birth and development of the American space program and space race. Destination Moon opens at CMC on September 28.
Cincinnati Observatory Center
This year, the Cincinnati Observatory Center is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the moon landing in a big and unprecedented way with its 52 Weeks of Astronomy program. In 2019 the Cincinnati Observatory will give at least one free outreach program to each of Cincinnati’s 52 neighborhoods. From Avondale to Winton Hills, the city of Cincinnati is comprised of 52 neighborhoods. Not everyone can come to the Cincinnati Observatory to look through the historic telescopes, so the Observatory will bring telescopes to each and every neighborhood in Cincinnati in 2019 – 52 neighborhoods in 52 weeks. Check their website to find a program near you!
On July 20 from 1-4, families can celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing with a festive event featuring crafts, lectures, activities and safe sun viewing. RSVP here. For adults, definitely check out for the Celestial Sips event on July 20, an out-of-this-world evening – pairing star gazing and beer tasting at the oldest public observatory in the country!
National Museum of the U. S. Air Force
Help us commemorate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 – the first time humans set foot on the moon. Activities will include:
- Model rocket building and launching (weather permitting)
- Model and High Power rocket demo
- An Apollo 11 virtual reality experience using Google Expeditions
- Presentations including one titled “The Apollo Mission – Little-known Facts”
- Space-related artifacts on display from the museum’s collection
- Space Trivia
- STEM demos
Other Apollo 11-related activities include:
Space Suit Exhibit on permanent display in Building 4 near their associated spacecraft.
“Apollo 11: First Steps 2D” showing daily at 11 am and 2 pm in the Air Force Museum Theatre.
“Armstrong” showing as part of the Living History Series on July 19 at 6:30 pm in the Air Force Museum Theatre.
“First Man” showing as part of the Hollywood Film Series on Sunday, July 28 at 4 pm in the Air Force Museum Theatre.
Drake Planetarium
Drake Planetarium & Science Center is committed to hands-on learning and boasts creative, interactive programs that require creative problem-solving and teamwork. Drake Planetarium is located on the top floor of Norwood High School and Drake Science Center is located on the first floor of Norwood Middle School — but their “portable dome” travels all over the tristate for special programming! Follow Drake Planetarium on Facebook for information on upcoming open-to-the-public events.
Worth the Drive: COSI
The COSI Planetarium is the largest in Ohio and features state-of-the-art digital technology that offers an unsurpassed glimpse of the universe. The COSI Planetarium’s new Digistar 5 projection system and 60-foot dome will transport you to the farthest reaches of the galaxy, to undersea volcanoes and distant lands, and even into the human body. While you’re there, be sure to check out the Giant Screen Theatre, which is showing Apollo 11: First Steps Edition through Sept. 2.
The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County
The library always has fun, FREE activities for significant events and holidays. Check the calendar for a space-themed activity at your local branch!
