With exclusive access to record the arrival, inflation and creation of Conner Prairie's 1859 Balloon Voyage exhibit, this documentary looks at the process of putting together a major attraction.
History Rising follows an international team of experts as they work to get one of the largest gas filled, tethered balloons in the world up in the air. It includes discussions with a Smithsonian expert in aviation history, and offers a rare look at why the balloon exhibit happened. It also tells the story of one of the great treasures in Indiana's early aviation history – and the basis for the 1859 Balloon Voyage exhibit – the story of balloonist John Wise. His story and the thrill of riding in the air at 350 feet becomes a unique mechanism for bringing history to life.
"Frankly at first I thought it was a little too far out for Conner Prairie," stated Ellen M. Rosenthal, President and CEO of Conner Prairie when referencing how the idea for the 1859 Balloon Voyage was born and evaluated over two years ago. The documentary shows how the exhibit became a reality through collaboration with an international team, Smithsonian air & space museum consultation, Conner Prairie staff and over 40 volunteers. Watch the dynamics as everything comes down to the wire to launch this permanent $2-million dollar exhibit earlier this summer that changes the face of Conner Prairie.
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