How Freedom Plane connects dreams of flight, space in latest stop

Vivian Begnaud, 10, couldn’t contain her excitement after the Freedom Plane touched down in Houston this week. 

“There’s lots of things you can do in space, like you can jump around and float and do whatever you want,” said the young space enthusiast, waving an American flag. “It’s also cool that you can explore it and see if there’s other life out there, like aliens.”

The Freedom Plane continued its journey around the country as part of the United States’ 250th anniversary celebration, completing the fourth of its eight-stop tour.

In partnership with the National Archives and National Archives Foundation, Boeing is supporting the National Archives Freedom Plane National Tour with a Boeing 737 in Freedom Plane livery.

"The Freedom Plane Tour reminds us that the story of flight is more than about flying from the skies to space, but also is deeply woven in America's story of curiosity, sacrifice and dedication," said LeRoy Cain, space station program manager and Boeing Houston site leader.

Why it matters: Nine original founding era documents have left the National Archives Museum together for the first time. The Freedom Plane tour makes the nation’s founding history more accessible, giving Americans from across the country the opportunity to view these historic documents. 

Documents will be on display at the Houston Museum of Natural Science beginning May 8.

Driving the news: Representatives from Boeing, the National Archives, the National Archives Foundation, the Texas State Library, local officials and media celebrated the plane's arrival with a welcome ceremony.