CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A North Carolina museum is forging close ties with the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
The Carolinas Aviation Museum is receiving the Smithsonian affiliate designation.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum director, retired Marine Corps Gen. J.R. “Jack” Dailey will present the Carolinas Aviation Museum with the Smithsonian affiliate logo on Thursday.
The affiliation means that the Smithsonian will identify potential collaborations for education or research programs, and makes long-term loans available.
The Carolinas Aviation Museum prime attraction is the Flight 1549 jetliner that made an emergency landing in the Hudson River after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport in New York on Jan. 15, 2009. Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger III safely glided into a water landing. All 155 passengers and crew members were rescued.