How did the Union Army, with Abraham Lincoln’s support, create the first modern air force? Brad Stone, who has given several talks on Civil War related topics, will tell us about the Union Balloon Corps at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 16 in the Clubhouse II auditorium.  

By the end of the War, the Union Balloon Corps logged over 3,000 missions, developed aircraft carriers, real time aerial communication with battlefield commanders, and pioneered the science of aerial reconnaissance. This amazing, seldom known story, involves everything from flying farm animals and torrid love affairs, to women’s silk dresses. It also highlights the role our area played in this enterprise.   

Stone had a long public affairs career with the U.S. government and currently volunteers as a docent at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick, Maryland and aboard the U.S.S. Constellation in Baltimore harbor. He was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for the Monocacy National Battlefield Foundation. Several of his presentations have been broadcast nationally by CSPAN 3 American History TV. 

The Center for Lifelong Leaning (CLL) sponsors this free presentation, but residents are asked to register beginning April 22, by calling or visiting the Lifestyle office of either clubhouse.

For information on all CLL presentations visit (cllmd.com).