The Natural Philosopher and the Science of Early Ballooning

The Natural Philosopher and the Science of Early Ballooning
A living history presentation by Dean Howarth, Niab Montgomery and Abigail Fine
A family program suitable for all ages, best for ages 8-16.

Friday, August 26, 2016
2:00pm to 3:00pm
Coulter Performance Plaza, 1 West
National Museum of American History
14th Street and Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC

For access services, please contact us at silrsvp@si.edu or 202-633-2241, preferably two weeks in advance of the program. To help us plan, please RSVP by clicking here.

Dr. John Jeffries, Boston born man of science and pioneer in Early Ballooning, will conduct lectures in the science of Pneumatics and recount enthralling tales of the first manned voyages into the skies in the late 18th century.  With a collection of replica instruments such as vacuum pumps and barometers, Dr. Jefferies portrayed by Dean Howarth explains the principles behind the airships built by the Brothers Montgolfier and the stories of other famed aeronauts such as Sophie Blanchard (portrayed by Niab Montgomery).  Advances in chemistry, physics, and meteorology that resulted from the daring flights are conveyed along with the surprising and frightening history of flight. Accompanying the doctor and Madame Blanchard will be Georgiana Cavendish, the Duchess of Devonshire (portrayed by Abigail Fine). The Duchess used her wealth and progressive ideals to support advances in chemistry, physics, and meteorology that resulted from the daring balloon flights. These bold and innovative characters will share the surprising and frightening history of flight.