JAN. 13, 2012 -- After nearly 10 years on display, the Missouri History Museum's Lindbergh exhibition will close at the end of January. Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, will be the final opportunity for visitors to see the Museum's collection of Lindbergh artifacts for several years.

"A decade is a long time for artifacts to be on display," said Sharon Smith, curator of civic and personal identity for the Missouri History Museum and curator of the Lindbergh exhibition. "Exposure to light over time will cause objects to break down. Removing the artifacts from display and appropriately conserving and storing them allows us to preserve these priceless artifacts for future generations."

The original Lindbergh exhibition was created in 2002 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Lindbergh's historic flight. After traveling in 2003 and 2004, the exhibition returned to the Missouri History Museum. Patrons have enjoyed a modified version of the original exhibit since it was installed in 2005.

In May 1927, lone pilot Charles A. Lindbergh flew his airplane, the "Spirit of St. Louis," from New Yorkʼs Roosevelt Field to Le Bourget Field in Paris. This historic first-ever, solo transatlantic flight changed the course of the 20th century. Due in no small part to burgeoning radio, film and print technology, Lindbergh was hailed a global hero and quickly attained the worldʼs adoration.

Although Lindbergh will be closed, Charles Lindbergh's contributions and place in American history will still be present in the museum: The "Spirit of St. Louis" sister plane soars above the Museum's McDermott Grand Hall. Built in 1928 and presented to the museum in 1963, the sister plane was built by B.F. Mahoney Aircraft Corporation, the successor to Ryan Airlines, the original "Spirit of St. Louis" builders.

Lindbergh is a free exhibit for all museum visitors. The final day to see these amazing artifacts is Jan. 30, 2012. For more information on Lindbergh, visit www.mohistory.org. or call 314-746-4599. Missouri History Museum is located at Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park.

Photo of Charles A. Lindbergh and the "Spirit of St. Louis" at Lambert Field, St. Louis, en route to New York, 1927. Photo courtesy of Missouri History Museum.

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