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TOYS FOR TOTS TOY DRIVE
November 22 - December 21, 2006

The Silent Wings Museum participated in the United States Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots toy drive this holiday season.  The Silent Wings Museum, along with the Buddy Holly Center, accepted toy donations to benefit local children from November 22 - December 21, 2006.  Guests to the Museum received one free admission for each toy they brought in.

The toy drive is a wonderful way to make a child's Christmas memorable and to celebrate the spirit of giving.  All toys were given to local children in need this holiday season.  Toys for Tots, which began in 1947, aims to deliver a message of hope to those in need through a shiny new toy.  The toy drive helps to build self-esteem and, in turn, motivates needy children to grow into responsible, productive citizens and leaders.

In response to the Toys for Tots toy drive in 2004 one young Lubbock child, Makenzie Martin, filled the Toys for Tots barrel at the Buddy Holly Center with her own birthday gifts so that other children could have a better holiday season.  Last year patrons of Lubbock's City Museums filled five barrels for local children and the City Museums anticipate another notable year in 2006. 
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CIDER DAYS OPEN HOUSE
December 5 - 9, 2006

The Silent Wings Museum and the Buddy Holly Center welcomed the holiday season with the second annual Cider Days Open House.  The Museums hosted Cider Days Open House December 5 - 9, 2006 during normal business hours.  Visitors to either Museum were admitted to both City of Lubbock museums for the price of one admission.  Additionally, seasonal refreshment and warm apple cider were served up with holiday cheer.
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Veterans Day Celebration
November 11, 2006

Veterans Day celebrates the signing of the Armistice which ended World War I.  This national holiday serves as a reminder of both World Wars and subsequent military conflicts, and allows Americans to formally honor those who have fought for our freedom.  The Silent Wings Museum transports visitors to an era of immense patriotism, thus it is the perfect place to recognize our veterans. 

                            

Veterans and museum patrons alike commemorated Veterans Day with a community celebration honoring those who have served the United States during wartime.  The Don Turner Band performed WWII era and big band music and refreshments were provided for museum visitors during the event. Children's activities were offered throughout the day and everyone was encouraged to explore the museum and learn more about the glider pilot program during World War II.  The museum also took donations for the Adopt A Soldier program which supports those fighting overseas and visitors had the opportunity to create cards and letters to send to American soldiers serving overseas.

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Solar Saturday
September 16, 2006

Children and their families enjoyed a Saturday of exploration at the Silent Wings Museum!  Kids and adults alike participated in hands-on activities focused on the solar system, astronomy, and space exploration.  One of the most popular projects was creating your own rocket.  Other projects included rocket launching and learning primitive star navigation.

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Celebrate Freedom Workshop
July 1, 2006

Children of all ages came out to the Silent Wings Museum and enjoyed the Celebrate Freedom Workshop.  Participants and their friends and relatives all enjoyed fun arts and crafts that paid tribute to the red, white and blue.  Pinwheels, friendship bracelets and various coloring activities were provided for those who attended this workshop.  Attendants went home with a variety of fun crafts and activities and started their 4th of July off in a fun and creative way.

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"Let's Go Fly a Kite" Kite-Making Workshop
April 30, 2006

Children and adults alike spent an afternoon constructing, decorating and flying kites.  Participants were provided with materials to make a kite and also learned about the principles of flight.  Once the kites were constructed the workshop participants were able to test out their creations at Mackenzie Park.

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Model Plane Building Workshop
March 25, 2006