.jpg)
Genesee Country Village & Museum’s forthcoming Civil War manned balloon replica — the
Intrepid —has 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 400 feet (32 stories) 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 background)
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.
Visitors will have the opportunity to book 15-minute flights for a nominal cost in addition to their museum entry fee.
The Intrepid is being 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 initiative’s estimated cost of nearly $300,000 has been partially offset by donations. As construction progresses, GCV&M will continue to seek additional financial support.
