09/22/2026
An Evening with Balloonist Bert Padelt will feature Bert’s first public presentation about his historic 2026 transatlantic hydrogen balloon crossing. Bert will share the story behind the flight—from the dream and years of preparation to designing and building the balloon, making the critical decisions, and ultimately crossing the Atlantic.
The evening will also mark the kickoff of New England Air Museum’s new Ballooning & Airship Exhibit, planned to open in 2028.
This is an opportunity for us as balloonists to help celebrate and preserve the remarkable history of lighter-than-air flight while creating something that will introduce future generations to ballooning. The exhibit is being developed to combine historic artifacts and stories with interactive experiences, STEM education, balloon and airship technology, weather and flight decision-making, and an accessible flight experience designed to make lighter-than-air aviation available to visitors of all abilities.
NEAM Board members and longtime balloonists Kathy Wadsworth, Bill Costen, and Mick Murphy are excited about what this exhibit can become and would like to personally invite the ballooning community to join us for the evening and be part of its beginning.
Saturday, November 21, 2026
New England Air Museum — Windsor Locks, Connecticut
Registration and additional information:
