Pre-Air Show Party at the International Women's Air and Space Museum

Did you know that in 1961, thirteen women pilots underwent secret astronaut testing, passing the samephysical tests as the men of the Mercury 7? The "Mercury 13" hoped to become America’s first female astronauts (though they never got the chance).

I learned about the Mercury 13 when I had the privilege of attending the annual Labor Day Pre-Air Show Party and Wine Tasting at the International Women's Air and Space Museum. There was a lot of great food, delicious wine from around the world, and wonderful exhibits about women in aviation.

Guess who?

A number of the guests dressed up in period costumes as pilots, mechanics, 20s era flappers, and baseball players.

I had a great time getting to know my fellow author, Claudia Taller who has written a fascinating book on Ohio wineries (did you know Ohio used to be the number one wine-producing state in the country?)

Here's the flight suit worn by, Harriet Quimby, the first woman pilot licensed in the U.S. who crossed the English Channel.

If you've never been to the International Women's Air and Space Museum, you should check it out. Thanks to Museum manager Heather Alexander for inviting me.