Since 1982, Intrepid has become both a New York City and an American icon; and a museum dedicated to building awareness and understanding of history, science, and service through its collections, exhibitions, and public and educational programs. Today, August 3, 2012, marks Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum’s thirtieth year fulfilling its mission to: honor, educate, and inspire.

Intrepid’s history begins with its founders Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher, a couple passionate about the Nation’s responsibility to honor the men and women who served in the armed forces, and their families. That passion led to the founding of the Museum.

Prevented from active service in World War II due to a leg injury, Zachary was always a strong supporter of the U.S. Armed Forces. Elizabeth, a former USO girl and volunteer nurse also felt a sense of duty to Country.

In 1978, Zachary and Elizabeth founded the Intrepid Museum Foundation to save a historic and battle-scarred aircraft carrier— USS Intrepid— from the scrap yard. Four years of involvement with the Foundation resulted in Zachary Fisher’s spearheading the opening of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum on August 3, 1982.

Intrepid Museum will mark this milestone with two temporary exhibitions: Thirty Years of Collecting: Treasure’s from Intrepid’s Collections and Thirty Years of Excellence: An Intrepid Museum Celebration, on view through December 2nd in the Hangar 2 and Welcome Center Galleries, respectively.

In honor of our Birthday, Intrepid Museum would like to extend free admission to any guest visiting on their Birthday.

Guests are also encouraged to check out “Intrepid’s Top 30.” Here, Museum Tour Guides suggest the top thirty, not-to-be-missed Museum highlights. You can find the checklist here.