Minutes away from Dallas Love Field is a hidden gem full of history. Since 1990, the Frontiers of Flight Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate, has provided education, outreach and innovation to the local community — and plans to continue that mission.
On Oct. 7, 2023, the museum hosted its A New Frontiers Gala, introducing a new initiative through three pillars to support the museum in maintaining its operations, rekindling interest and enhancing its capacity for the enjoyment of future generations. These pillars encompass fostering greater diversity and inclusion in exhibits, emphasizing aerospace STEM education and enhancing the overall guest experience during their museum visit.
“We have the opportunity to do something this city has needed for a very long time,” Frontiers of Flight Museum 2023 Gala Chair Toni Brinker said.
The main event of the gala brought inspiration to every person sitting in the room. Dr. Sian Proctor shared her journey to space — a goal she dreamt of from childhood. Dr. Proctor is a Geoscience Professor at the Maricopa Community Colleges, an Afrofuturism artist and an astronaut. She holds the role of Chief Inspiration Astronaut at Space2inspire and is the founder of The Proctor Foundation for Art and Science. But she came to speak about her experience as the mission pilot for SpaceX Inspiration4, which marked her as the pioneer female commercial astronaut spaceship pilot and the sole African American woman to have held the position of mission pilot.
“I had been chasing my space my entire life all of a sudden you get to 10, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1,” Dr. Proctor said during her presentation.
But what Dr. Proctor hopes for the future of space is the pursuit of J.E.D.I.: justice, equity, diversity and inclusivity as progress continues in the field of human spaceflight. The Frontier of Flight Museum shares that goal, one they hope to implement through its three pillars.
This year alone, the museum anticipates providing STEM-Aerospace education programs and camps to benefit 48,000 children. Additionally, the museum expects to attract more than 150,000 visitors from around the globe who will come to explore the unique and iconic offerings.
“Dallas is a space city,” recently named CEO Abigail Erickson-Torres said. “We are the catalyst for bringing people together.” And that’s exactly what the gala did.
With live music from Ricki Derek & Band, and a Wings, Watches and Whiskey live auction, guests were presented with the opportunity to help bring the plans of the museum to life.
Celebrity chef Peja Krstic's menu kicked off with a selection of hors d'oeuvres, including big eye tuna tartare elegantly wrapped in a shiso leaf alongside sushi rice, mini poke bowls and Foxley River oysters drizzled with a rich brown butter vinaigrette infused with fresh mint. After exploring what the museum has to offer, guests found their way to their seats for a delightful three-course menu filled with unexpected culinary delights crafted by the chef.
The Frontiers of Flight Museum currently boasts an impressive collection, featuring more than 35 space vehicles and aircraft, ranging from a replica of the Wright Flyer to the unique "Flying Pancake" and even the Apollo 7 spacecraft. The museum also offers 18 galleries, where visitors can explore over 35,000 historical artifacts on display — but the museum has big plans for the future.