(August 12, 2005) - The San Diego Air & Space Museum's Lecture Series, known for its timely topics and innovative speakers, starts up again in September - but this time from an insider's perspective.

The 2005 Fall Lecture Series - The Museum Speaks features a staff member, a Museum Docent, a board member and its president all providing interesting commentary as to how they do the things they do.

The fall line up is as follows:

Re-entry San Diego: Bringing Apollo 9 to the San Diego Air & Space Museum
John Bolthouse, Chief Operating Officer
Thursday, September 8th at 7:30 p.m.

As Chief Operating Officer, John Bolthouse has been privileged to work with the "stuff" that makes the Museum so interesting. One of his most challenging and unique projects was preparing and transporting the massive and historic Apollo 9 command module across the country to its new home at the Museum, then preparing it for display - no easy feat. Mr. Bolthouse's efforts received extensive attention from the media as well as other museums hoping to improve their own techniques in transportation and exhibition. He will share the story of Apollo 9 - from its historic mission to its current place at SDAM.

WWI in the Air: The Aircraft, the Men, the Myths and the Truth
Dr. Peter Fedders, Museum Docent
Thursday, September 22nd at 7:30 p.m.

Though he spent his career as a physics professor, it was Peter Fedders' love of World War I aviation that brought him to the Museum as one of its many respected volunteers. His research on the topic has resulted in several journal articles on subjects from the Romanian front to English victory claims, as well as appearances on the History Channel as a WWI expert. As a docent, Dr. Fedders' tours and presentations are always entertaining and fascinating. Dr. Fedders will share some of the more unique aviation stories of the "Great War" and debunk some long-held and surprising myths.

Hook Down, Cleared to Land: Experiences of a Female Naval Aviator
CDR Vicki Fischbeck, USN (Ret), Board of Directors
Thursday, September 29th at 7:30 p.m.

Vicki Fischbeck joined the US Navy as an aircraft mechanic and earned her degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She earned her wings in 1985 and flew numerous aircraft, from the single-engine T-34 trainer to multi-engine transports, retiring in 2000 with 4,600 flying hours and 250 carrier landings. She later flew for United Airlines, ran the Embry-Riddle Center at Naval Air Station North Island, and now flies Boeing 757s and 767s with UPS. CDR Fischbeck will speak about what inspired her to fly, being a female aviator, and her role as a Museum Board Member.

If We Build It Will They Come? - Challenges Facing Today's Nonprofit Cultural Institutions
Ken Curtis, President & CEO
Thursday, October 13th at 7:30 p.m.

In his final public appearance before retiring as President and CEO, Ken Curtis will share his insights on the enormous challenges that confront the nation's more valuable assets - nonprofit cultural institutions - and how SDAM has dealt with them. President Curtis will discuss his experiences and personal perspectives, from commands in the U.S. Navy, chief operating officer of a healthcare company, and as the Museum's first President & CEO. Learn about the pitfalls and opportunities of remaining relevant in a high-tech, multi-media world.

The cost for each lecture is $10 for San Diego Air & Space Museum members or $15 for non-members. Students, as guests of AIAA/SDAM members, and AIAA Student Branch members at UCSD and SDSU will be admitted free. To make your reservation or for more information, call the Museum's Education Department, (619) 234-8291, Ext. 19, or log on to the Museum's website: www.aerospacemuseum.org.