7|19 • SPEAKER SERIES with Kristin Wojkowski
PAST EVENTS
6|28 • SPEAKER SERIES with Captain kevin m. smith
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Join us on Saturday, June 21st as author, speaker, and decorated naval aviator Captain Kevin M. Smith, U.S. Navy (Ret.) shares stories from his extraordinary career. A former F-8 Crusader pilot, Captain Smith commanded the first deployed Top Gun unit, VFP-63D1, aboard the USS Constellation. His deep expertise in close-in air combat was instrumental in preparing F-14 Tomcat pilots for real-world engagements, earning his squadron recognition as the top-performing unit in the Pacific Fleet. For his innovative leadership, he received numerous commendations, including a Citation from the Commander of the U.S. Seventh Fleet.
Captain Smith is also the author of The Sonic Warrior: Chronicles of a Top Gun Pioneer, a gripping memoir that explores his journey through the high-stakes world of naval aviation and the lessons in leadership, resilience, and rapid decision-making that came with it. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event—don’t miss your chance to get one signed by the author himself! |
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5|28 • SPEAKER SERIES with Curt FukudaExplore the History of San Jose Japantown with Curt Fukuda as we embark on a fascinating visual journey through San Jose Japantown—one of only three remaining Japantowns in the United States. Through stories and photographs, Curt will reveal what makes San Jose Japantown truly unique. Follow the community’s evolution from its beginnings as San Jose Chinatown (Heinlenville), through the Japanese incarceration during World War II, the challenges of post-war resettlement, and its transformation into a vibrant multicultural neighborhood.
Curt Fukuda is a writer, artist, and lifelong history enthusiast who grew up in San Jose’s Little Portugal community. His passion for diverse cultural stories is reflected in his books, including San Jose Japantown – A Journey (co-authored with Ralph M. Pearce), Cuentos del Día de los Muertos (with Salvador Gonzalez), and Día de los Muertos – When Two Worlds Meet (co-authored with Dr. Shawn Haley). He was also invited by Edward James Olmos to participate as a photographer for the Smithsonian National Museum of American History’s Americanos! exhibition. In the 1980s, Curt began photographing the San Jose Taiko Group, which sparked a deep connection to the Japantown community. Over the years, he has worked on numerous cultural and historical projects, building a deep appreciation for the people, history, and diversity of the area. |
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5|24 • SPEAKER SERIES with Robert AdachiJoin us as Robert Adachi shares the story of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team—Japanese-American soldiers who became WWII heroes while their families were held in internment camps. Learn about their incredible bravery, including the rescue of the “Lost Battalion” and the liberation of Dachau.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, xenophobic tensions intensified as the United States prepared for a potential Japanese assault on the West Coast. Japanese Americans were labeled as “security risks.” On February 19, 1942, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, directing the removal and incarceration of over 120,000 Americans of Japanese descent along the entire Pacific Coast. Nearly 62% of those interned were second-generation Japanese American citizens, or Nisei. The conditions in the camps were harsh, with barracks lacking privacy and indoor plumbing. At the same time, the Army established the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, an Asian American unit composed primarily of volunteer Nisei. The 442nd served in both the European and Pacific Theaters during WWII but are best known for their valor in Europe. In 1944, the 442nd landed in Italy and later joined the invasion of southern France. They famously rescued the “Lost Battalion” at Biffontaine, suffering nearly 1,600 casualties to save 211 surrounded soldiers of the 1st Battalion. By April 1945, they had pushed into Germany and were among the first Allied troops to liberate prisoners at the Dachau concentration camp. The 442nd earned 9,486 Purple Hearts, earning them the nickname “The Purple Heart Battalion.” Robert (Bob) Adachi is a third-generation Japanese American, or Sansei. He graduated from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and spent his career working for various federal agencies until his retirement in October 2015. Since 2017, Bob has served as a docent at the 442nd/100th Exhibit at the USS Hornet Museum in Alameda, CA. |
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5|14 • SPEAKER SERIES with Marie VallejoAuthor Marie Vallejo will discuss her book DAUNTLESS, which tells the untold story of the 1st and 2nd Filipino Regiments and the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion during WWII. These U.S. Army units carried out top-secret missions in the Philippines, arriving by submarine over two years before the Allies returned. Working closely with Filipino guerrillas, they gathered critical intelligence for General MacArthur’s campaign, playing a vital role in the planning and success of the liberation. Vallejo will explore their courage, the mission’s impact, and the profound contributions of the Filipino people to the war effort.
About the Author: Marie Vallejo holds a degree in Education and pursued graduate studies in Psychology. She worked in Data Security and Internal Audit at Intel Corporation and is also the author of The Battle of Ising. She served on the Board of the American Historical Collection in Manila and managed the Museum Volunteers of the Philippines' WWII history modules. Vallejo spearheaded the digitization of the Guerrilla Recognition Program files at the U.S. National Archives, helping preserve and highlight the vital role Filipinos played in World War II. |
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5|3 • SPEAKER SERIES with Samuel ConiglioSamuel Coniglio is a space futurist and technical writer with a life-long interest in space travel and the challenges of living in space. A member of the Space Tourism Society, he researches off-world domestic concepts, as well as being an accomplished author and inventor, His Zero Gravity Cocktail Glass and Cocktail-making robots won international acclaim.
Samuel will be speaking about his new book “Creature Comforts in Space”, which is aimed at guiding designers to create an enjoyable and sustainable off-world lifestyle. After 50 years of space exploration, off-world living is still like going on an extreme camping trip. Living out there is uncomfortable at best. His book tackles the challenge of Creature Comforts: those hard-to-describe things that make life more enjoyable, have mental health benefits, and are fun! His book isn’t just about making life better beyond our planet; it’s a blueprint for enhancing life on Earth through thoughtful, space-inspired design. -Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 -Moffett Field Museum - Bay 3 -12pm - 1pm -Tickets Available ONLINE & AT THE DOOR -FREE with Museum Membership (Membership will be checked at the door) -$15 to attend for Adults, Seniors, & Children. -Includes Museum Access |
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4|26 • SPEAKER SERIES with David Takemoto-WeertsDavid Takemoto-Weerts has been a space enthusiast since receiving his first telescope from Santa at age six. At age 15 he “discovered” aerospace history and has been an avid student of many aspects of the history of aviation and space exploration for sixty years. David will be speaking on “Gemini: Bridge to Apollo” and how NASA’s second manned orbital spaceflight program made that “One Small Step” possible. The Gemini program was crucial as a bridge between the Mercury program and the Apollo programs and tested technologies and techniques needed for lunar missions, including long-duration spaceflight, rendezvous and docking, and spacewalks, all of which were essential for the Apollo program’s success.
The Gemini program demonstrated that humans could not only survive in space for extended periods but also perform complex tasks, including spacewalks and rendezvous with other spacecraft, thus paving the way for the Apollo program’s lunar landings. The Gemini program included many space “firsts”, such as the first orbital rendezvous of two manned spacecraft (Gemini VI-A and Gemini VII), and the first automatically controlled reentry into Earth’s atmosphere (Gemini XII). -Saturday, April 26th, 2025 -Moffett Field Museum - Bay 3 -12pm - 1pm -Tickets Available ONLINE & AT THE DOOR -FREE with Museum Membership (Membership will be checked at the door) -$15 to attend for Adults, Seniors, & Children. -Includes Museum Access |
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3|22 • SPEAKER SERIES with K. Megan McArthurJoin us for an inspiring installment of our Speaker Series featuring NASA astronaut K. Megan McArthur as she shares her extraordinary journey to space. An oceanographer, engineer, and veteran astronaut, McArthur has played a pivotal role in space exploration, serving as a Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM) for both the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. She was the last person to work hands-on with the Hubble Space Telescope during the STS-125 servicing mission and later piloted the SpaceX Crew-2 mission aboard Crew Dragon Endeavour. Hear firsthand about her experiences, the challenges of spaceflight, and her contributions to advancing human exploration beyond our planet. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a true pioneer in space science and discovery!
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2|19 - 3|15 • Battle of iwo jima 80th anniversary special exhibitOn February 19th, the Moffett Field Museum will launch a special exhibit commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. Using a series of vignettes and original artifacts and equipment from both Japanese and US Marine combatants, this exhibit will highlight the extremes of combat faced by both sides on an isolated volcanic island 2 miles wide by 4 miles long, where US Marines rarely saw their foe, and were exposed to constant artillery and rifle fire. The famous flag raising on Mt. Suribachi occurred 4 days into the battle, yet combat would continue until the island was declared secure on March 26th, with heavy casualties on both sides. Visitors will be immersed in the fierce combat of the island battle through interactive displays that capture the intensity of this pivotal Pacific conflict and the extraordinary valor demonstrated on both sides.
-The exhibit will run from February 19th to March 15th. -Tickets can be purchased online and at the door. -Your ticket can be used anytime during operating hours on the designated day of your ticket. -Discounted tickets for Museum Members (Membership will be checked at the door) -Children 0-4 years old are FREE |
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2|26 • SPEAKER SERIES with
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2|14 • CHOCOLATE & LEARNSpeakers Sally and Howard Peters, affectionately known as “Mr. and Mrs. Chocolate,” are renowned speakers who combine their extensive chemistry backgrounds with a love of chocolate to deliver their engaging lecture, “Chocolate — Food of the Gods.” In their presentation, they explore the rich history of chocolate from ancient Mayan, Olmec, and Aztec cultures to its modern-day production and consumption. They delve into the chemistry and biology behind chocolate’s active ingredients, such as Theobroma cacao, flavonoids, and antioxidants, highlighting its surprising health benefits. Their talks also feature fascinating trivia and hands-on chocolate samples, making the experience both educational and fun.
With decades of experience as chemists and long-time members of the American Chemical Society (ACS), the Peters bring unique expertise to their presentations. Howard, a chemist, inventor, and former Silicon Valley patent attorney, and Sally, a library and information science expert who contributed to groundbreaking polio virus research, have been inspiring audiences with their passion for science and chocolate for years. Together, they show how chemistry connects with everyday pleasures like chocolate, leaving their audiences informed, entertained, and craving more. |
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1|22 • Book Signing with Loreen GibbonsStart the new year with inspiration and storytelling! On January 22nd, we are thrilled to welcome author Loreen Gibbons to the Moffett Field Museum for a signing of her captivating book, All Eternity Lies Before Me.
Dive into the pages of this thought-provoking work that explores the hop, faith, and love after the loss of Navy Alpha Foxtrot 586 and hear directly from the author about her journey in bringing these stories to life. Books will be available for purchase at the event, or bring your own copy to have it signed. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet Loreen Gibbons and celebrate her incredible work! |
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Battle of the bulge Special ExhibitDecember 18th 2024 - January 4th 2025This December, the Moffett Field Museum invites you to a special exhibit commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, one of the most pivotal and harrowing battles of World War II and the largest battle in American history. Running from December 18th to January 4th, the exhibit transports you to the frozen Ardennes forest in December 1944, where Allied forces faced a surprise German counteroffensive. Against a backdrop of relentless snowstorms, frigid temperatures, and near-impossible conditions, soldiers endured unimaginable hardships while showcasing extraordinary bravery and resilience in stopping the last German offensive on the western front.
Through this exhibit, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the American experience, hardships, and heroism that defined this critical moment in World War II. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking for a meaningful way to honor the legacy of those who served, this exhibit is not to be missed. Join us to reflect on the courage of the past and to learn more about a battle that shaped the course of the war—and the world. |
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LUNCH & LEARN - September 25TH 2024Join us for our September Lunch & Learn on Wednesday, September 25th! This month, Mike Bonham will take us on a fascinating journey through the history of silent film production in the Bay Area. Discover the story behind the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum and learn about Charlie Chaplin's early film career during his time in Niles. Don’t miss this insightful look into a unique time in cinematic history!
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LUNCH & LEARN - August 28TH 2024Speakers Loreen & Matt Gibbons share the epic tale of the ditching and recovery of the crew of Moffett Field-based VP-9's Alpha Foxtrot 586 in the Northern Pacific, October 26, 1978. This presentation offers a unique perspective on the background of events leading to their emergency, the confluence of engineering changes, training gaps, and design oversights that led to the loss of five lives that day. He connects the Accident Investigation Board lessons learned into the safety improvements that the P-3 community eventually implemented. The presentation traces the crew’s journey from Adak, into two life rafts, their rescue/recovery by Soviet fishermen, their stay in Siberia, and their return to Moffett. It salutes their Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard rescuers while providing the origin story of the Jerry Grigsby Survival Training Center in Pensacola, Florida.
Loreen Gibbons is a former Navy wife, remarried Navy widow, and retired elementary school teacher. Her debut book, “All Eternity Lies Before Me,” started out as letters written to her older grandchildren so they would come to know the grandfather they never got to meet. She lives with her husband Matt in the beautiful hill country of California’s Central Coast. Matt Gibbons arrived at Moffett Field in July 1976, completing his training at VP-31 and joining VP-9 in October 1976. Two years later, he was the Tacco on a mission call sign Alfa Foxtrot 586. He is one of 28 living survivors of a P-3 Orion ditching. He is a member of the UK’s Goldfish Club, the honorary society formed after the Battle of Britain to commemorate those individuals who survived a ditching at sea. |
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Lunch & Learn - JULY 24TH 2024Speaker Rita Lucas shares the astounding accomplishments and history of the Airforce Service Pilots of WWII, known as the WASP. They were little known for over 35 years, yet they were crucial to the efforts of WWII. They were a civilian women pilots’ organization founded by Jacqueline Cochran, the famous aviatrix. They ferried aircraft across the US, flew every military plane, flew targets and tracking missions, and tested aircraft which then freed up male pilots for combat during the war. Of the 25,000 applicants, only 1,074 earned their wings as WASP. They trained for 5 months at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, TX and later were stationed at various army bases across the U.S. They were finally granted military status in 1977 by President Carter. They received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2009 awarded to persons "who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient's field long after the achievement."
Rita Lucas grew up in Los Altos, CA where she currently lives with her husband. She spent 35 years working as a Director of Revenue at various High-tech companies in Silicon Valley. Her mother was a WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) and taught her to fly at age 15. She co-authored a chapter on her mother in the book “WWII Memoirs” by Brenda Love, PhD. Her interests include studying paleontology, astronomy, and space and aviation history. |