Dinner with a Slice of History: The Groundbreaking Experience of Sandra Durbin

The International Women’s Air & Space Museum (IWASM) will host its next “Dinner with a Slice of History” program of 2023 on Friday, March 24, 2023. Entitled “The Groundbreaking Experience of Sandra Durbin,” the program features the first Black female Air Traffic Controller in the U.S. and US Navy.  The program is made possible thanks to a grant from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and will be held both in-person and via Zoom.

Sandra Durbin joined the U.S. Navy in 1966 and after boot camp, had a choice: Air Traffic Controller or Electronics Technician. After careful and strategic consideration, she chose Air Traffic Control School becoming the first Black female Air Traffic Controller in the U.S. Navy, while simultaneously becoming the first in the United States. On March 24, Durbin joins the International Women’s Air & Space Museum to explore her groundbreaking career and service at both Naval Air Stations Pensacola and North Island. She will also share her post-military service activities and her work as the 2022-2023 California AMVETS Commander engaging with and serving fellow veterans.

Registration is required. In-person tickets include program admission and a boxed dinner. In-person tickets are $27 for non-IWASM members and $17 for IWASM members. Virtual tickets are for a minimum donation of $10. The museum offers a special ticket bundle and a discounted one-year membership for $55.

Dinner will begin at 6:00 p.m., with the program starting at 6:30 p.m. EDT. To register, visit www.iwasm.org or call 216-623-1111. The deadline to register for in-person is March 21. For more information, call the museum or email info@iwasm.org.