LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A new exhibit is headed to Bowman Field as Black History Month approaches.

What You Need To Know

  • New exhibit at Bowman Field to honor Black aviators

  • The exhibit will run from Feb. 1 - March 14

  • Exhibit will feature 14 individuals, organizations

  • Exhibit is free and open to the public with no appointment necessary

The Louisville Regional Airport Authority announced "The Sky’s the Limit: A Celebration of the History of Black Achievement in Aviation," which will feature members of the Black aviation community and their achievements.

The exhibit will run from Feb. 1 - March 14

"Through the use of visuals, visitors will get a look into how these men and women got their start in aviation, any adversity they experienced, and how they ultimately achieved greatness and rose to prominence," said a press release from the Regional Airport Authority.

“The Louisville Regional Airport Authority is excited to open this exhibit celebrating Black History Month. It showcases the extraordinary achievements of these Black men and women from the early days of aviation through the age of space travel, including efforts today to introduce our young people to the opportunities in aviation. We hope the stories of these pioneers and leaders inspire a new generation of aviation professionals,” said Dan Mann, executive director of the Regional Airport Authority.

UPS Airlines Vice President of Flight Operations and Safety Capt. Houston Mills highlighted the importance of the exhibit.

“Our community has just experienced difficult reminders about social justice and equity, so this year’s Black History Month is particularly important,” Mills said. “It’s fantastic that the LRAA is showcasing these inspirational aviation heroes and the great things that happen when opportunities are available for people of all races."

The exhibit will showcase 14 individuals and organizations, such as:

  • Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman to receive a pilot's license
  • Katherine Johnson, a Black female mathematician who helped send NASA astronauts on an Earth-orbiting mission
  • Robert Lawrence, a pilot designated as the first Black astronaut

The exhibit, located at Bowman Field's Art-Deco terminal building on Taylorsville Road, will be free and open to the public without an appointment Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more coverage on Black History Month please visit our special section.