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National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
LAKE MEAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA News Release
For Immediate Release: July 10, 2018
Release No.: 2018-34
Contact: 702-283-2344
SPECIAL EVENT COMMEMORATES 70 YEARS OF LAKE MEAD’S SUBMERGED B-29
BOULDER CITY, Nevada – On July 21, 1948, one of America’s most notable aircraft, the B-29 Superfortress, crashed into Lake Mead.
On July 21, 2018, Lake Mead National Recreation Area will look back at the past 70 years to observe the anniversary and recognize the efforts the National Park Service has taken to preserve the plane that remains at the bottom of the lake.
The commemorative event will be held at the Lake Mead Visitor Center July 21 from 10 a.m. to noon and again from 2-4 p.m.
A panel of experts will discuss why this modified B-29 and its high-altitude atmospheric mission were significant. Speakers include:
Lizette Richardson, superintendent, Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Welcome to Lake Mead
Dr. Daniel Bubb, Honors College, University of Nevada - Las Vegas
Macro view of aviation and military history at time of crash in 1948
Dr. David Conlin, chief of National Park Service Submerged Resources Center
The Treasure is the History – Preserving and presenting Lake Mead’s amazing underwater stories
Susan Edwards, research archaeologist and historian, Desert Research Institute
Historical information about the B-29’s mission and why it’s being considered as a National Historic Landmark
Mark Hnat, acting chief ranger, and Toshi Yoshida, park biologist, Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Diving experiences in Lake Mead
Jeff Wedding, assistant research archaeologist, Desert Research Institute
Aviation Expert
Guests will also be able to view a short film about the history of the 1948 flight and the subsequent work of the National Park Service, including new underwater footage of the aircraft. Some of the artifacts that have been brought to the surface will be on display, such as oxygen tank cylinders and glass and metal fragments from the plane.
This is a free, family-friendly event. Children who attend can participate in a special program to discover the animals, plants and artifacts that are underwater in America’s national parks. Kids will also have the opportunity to participate in an activity with park rangers and earn their own Underwater Explorer Junior Ranger badge.
Space is limited. To reserve a seat for the 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. program, call 702-293-8691.
-NPS-
Last updated: July 10, 2018