"Macy's Miracle" gives balloon flight
Last-minute helium donation — a "Macy's miracle" —
makes possible Civil War balloon flight
When Peter Arnold, Genesee Country Village & Museum president and CEO, set out last year to build and fly the world's first replica of a Civil War manned balloon – the Intrepid – little did he know his dream could collapse from a nationwide helium shortage. But he also didn't bargain that one of the country's most iconic retailers would step forward to deliver a miracle at the last minute, literally raising the project off the ground.
Thanks to the generous support of Macy's – a brand synonymous with the giant helium-filled balloons that grace Manhattan's skies every Thanksgiving morning – the Intrepid will begin flying this July 4. Weather permitting, the balloon will take guests 300 feet (32 stories) into the sky, simulating what some of the world’s first military pilots (a.k.a. aeronauts) experienced 150 years ago.
"We were looking for a miracle. The museum was seemingly out of options to secure helium after having placed innumerable calls to dealers, government officials and even decommissioned research laboratories across the U.S.," Arnold said. "Then we heard from Macy's, which was able to donate the 50,000 cubic feet we needed. We’re simply ecstatic, as we were within days of having to suspend our opening. 'The Magic of Macy's' has never been more real."
First announced this past February, the Intrepid project has captured the imagination of families, educators, historians and aviation enthusiasts across North America. Renowned documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and adventure balloonist and Virgin Group Chairman Sir Richard Branson have both praised the historic reconstruction.
"Supporting education is an important aspect of our community giving, made even more relevant in this case since Macy’s was founded during the Civil War era,” said Russell Schutte, senior vice president / director of stores, Macy’s Midwest. “With our unique connection to helium ballooning, we had the opportunity to help Genesee Country Village & Museum fulfill its dream to open this one-of-a-kind, interactive exhibit. The result will benefit not only the people of Western New York, but visitors who will travel from across the U.S. and overseas to experience the wonder and history of flight.”
Featuring its signature giant helium character balloons, the 2013 87th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place on Thursday, November 28.
Earlier, Genesee Country Village & Museum’s forthcoming Civil War manned balloon replica — the Intrepid —had captured the attention of two prominent supporters. Renowned documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and adventure balloonist and Virgin Group Chairman Sir Richard Branson are praising the historic reproduction that will take to the air this summer.
“I was thrilled to hear that the Genesee Country Village & Museum is building a working replica of the Intrepid,” Burns said. “On September 24, 1861, the Intrepid flew above a Virginia battlefield during the Civil War and made history. I have filmed at Genesee Country Village & Museum; it’s a beautiful, living slice of the 19th-Century America and this new exhibit is an exciting addition.”
Burns said the museum’s mission to foster a deeper understanding of the past and its relevance to the contemporary world is what he tries to do with his films such as The Civil War and Prohibition. Both strive to create a strong emotional connection with history and help citizens better understand themselves as Americans today.
Branson was equally enthusiastic. “Bravo for the reproduction of the Intrepid by the Genesee Country Village & Museum. The history of aviation is fascinating and a bit misunderstood,” he said. “I’m proud that my small contribution to aviation history has involved flying balloons where they had not been flown before – across the Pacific and Atlantic – and I’m thrilled that the authentic reproduction of The Intrepid will help keep the rich history of ballooning alive.”
Starting July 4, the the world’s only Civil War manned balloon replica—which can carry up to four passengers—will soar as high as 300 feet above the museum’s 700-acres.
“Our launch of the Intrepid brings to life one of the most unique elements of American history in a manner never before attempted,” said Peter Arnold, GVC&M president and CEO.
“As Civil War remembrances occur across the nation during its 150th anniversary, we believed there was no better time to undertake this initiative. The balloon and the planned Civil War encampment surrounding the launch site further enhance our authentic 19th-century village—the third largest collection of historic buildings in America.”
Conceived by Professor Thaddeus Lowe, the Union Army Balloon Corps was authorized by President Abraham Lincoln in June 1861. The original Intrepid had also foreshadowed the future of military reconnaissance communications. The pilot sent information—troop movements, artillery instructions and more—to the ground via telegraph. (More on the Army Balloon Corps)
While historically balloons were fueled by hydrogen, the modern Intrepid flies with helium. Like the original Civil War balloons, it is tethered to the ground for optimal convenience and safety.
Approximately 46,000 cubic feet of helium is required to fill the 44-foot-diameter piloted balloon. With its basket, it will be 72 feet tall and will probably be visible for 25 miles around.
The Intrepid was built by AeroBalloon Inc. of Hingham, Mass., with historical guidance from GCV&M and a team of prominent advisors including Tom Crouch, senior curator, Division of Aeronautics, National Air and Space Museum , Smithsonian Institution; Jim Green, director, Planetary Science Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); and Rob Shenk, director, Internet Strategy & Development, Civil War Trust.
The balloon was painted by muralist Todd Price in Southern Virginia.