An Extraordinary Evening. A Historic Opportunity.
Something remarkable is taking flight in Fredericksburg, Virginia!
For the first time, our community will have the opportunity to experience something unlike anything that has come before it here—the Genesis of Flight Experience, an extraordinary new immersive aviation and educational destination opening in early 2027 at the historic Shannon Air Museum.
Bringing together remarkable early flying machines, historically accurate Wright Brothers aircraft, and immersive environments that transport visitors back to the very beginnings of flight, this experience is being created as a destination of regional and national significance.
But the greatest impact of Genesis of Flight will not be measured by the aircraft or exhibits. It will be measured by the young lives it inspires and the futures it helps change.
Through our Sponsor a Student. Change a Future. initiative, we are working to provide thousands of students from our region and beyond with the opportunity to experience the wonder of aviation at no cost to them. We want to awaken curiosity, encourage creativity, and introduce young people to the possibilities of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and aviation.
On Saturday, November 14, you have an opportunity that will only come once—to be there at the beginning of this extraordinary endeavor.
The inaugural Genesis of Flight Gala will offer an exclusive preview of this remarkable experience, along with an unforgettable evening of celebration, dinner, a live auction, big band music, and dancing.
More importantly, it is an opportunity for individuals, businesses, and community leaders to become part of something that will have a lasting impact on generations of young people.
Sponsor a Student. Change a Future.
One Evening. Thousands of Young People. Countless Futures.
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Genesis of Flight Pavilion | Shannon Air Museum
3361 Shannon Airport Circle
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
- 6:00 PM — Cocktails and Hors d’Oeuvres
- 6:45 PM — Dinner
- 7:45 PM — The Genesis of Flight Story: An Evening of Purpose and Possibility, followed by the Live Auction
- 8:30 PM — Big Band and Dancing
Attire: Semi-formal / cocktail attire
Your Participation Changes Futures.
Young Aviator Sponsor — $500
One Gala seat while sponsoring 5 young people.
Flight Discovery Table Sponsor — $3,500
A table for eight guests while sponsoring 35 young people.
Wings of Opportunity Sponsor — $10,000
A leadership gift opening the experience to 100 young people, with special sponsor recognition.
Pioneer of Flight Sponsor — $25,000
Helping inspire 250 young people through history, STEM, discovery, and flight, with Legacy of Flight Wall recognition.
Founder of Flight Sponsor — $50,000
A transformational sponsorship opening the experience for 500 young people, with Legacy of Flight Wall recognition.
Legacy of Flight Sponsor — $100,000
An extraordinary gift creating opportunity for 1,000 young people, with Legacy of Flight Wall recognition.
Whether you attend the Gala, sponsor a table, or make a contribution, you are helping create opportunities for young people who may otherwise never experience the extraordinary world of aviation.
Reserve Your Place — RSVP by November 2
Reserve your Gala seat, sponsor a table, and sponsor students today:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/genesisofflightgala/event/1stgenesisofflightgala/
Sponsorships may also be made by ACH or check payable to Shannon Air Museum, earmarked “Genesis of Flight,” and mailed to:
Shannon Air Museum
3380 Shannon Airport Circle
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
For questions, please contact:
Kristen Curtas-Barnum, Director
(540) 642-4396
[email protected]