Before 1920, the sky was the domain of ravens. To recognize 100 years of Yukon aviation history in 2020 we invite your help in creating 100 ravens to fly in our model train exhibit. For more information on the significance of this, read the story below!
For Culture Days 2019, join us at the Yukon Transportation Museum from 12-1 PM on Friday, Saturday or Sunday as our staff help you make a raven to join our miniature Whitehorse!
Kids: Please work with an adult if you are under 12.
Everyone: On the table you will see detailed instructions and suggestions. Be creative and have fun!
This event is free and admission to YTM will be by donation from 12-1 PM on September 27th, 28th, and 29th.
The raven-making table is also regularly available in the museum when you pay admission! If you’d like assistance from one of our fantastic staff, check out our events calendar to find a time that works for you, or give us a call to schedule a time!
Yukon aviation has and is massively influential on all the people of the Yukon. Through its 100 years we see innovation ingenuity, social experiences, and a century of unprecedented changes.
The ‘marvel of flight’ was first beheld by Yukoners on August 15th and 16th, 1920. Four US Army De Havilland DH-4 biplanes had left from Mineola, New York and headed northwest across the continent, bound for Nome, Alaska. Their purpose was to prove the feasibility of long distance air travel.
Most of the towns and cities along their route had never seen an airplane before, and pre-flight preparations had to include the arrangements for landing fields as well as the placing of fuel at each proposed stop.
On August 15th, 1920 they landed in Whitehorse at the partially cleared plateau which is now the Whitehorse International Airport. On August 16th, 1920 they landed on a field of Faulkner’s Farm just outside of Dawson City.
The wonder of these moments was a precursor to the next hundred years of Yukon aviation history which is rife with human drama, determination, passion, tragedy, and incredible change in both the lifeways of Yukoners and of global human connection.