Florida House Debuts Aerospace Exhibit Highlighting State’s Launch Legacy
Florida House has unveiled a new exhibit spotlighting the Sunshine State’s pivotal role in America’s space program. Titled “Florida’s Legacy of Launch: Aerospace and the Sunshine State,” the installation was developed in partnership with the U.S. Space Force, the Space Force Historical Foundation and Museum, and the Aldrin Family Foundation.
The exhibit, now open at Florida House at 1 Second Street NE, traces Florida’s decades-long connection to aerospace innovation, with a particular focus on Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center. Through launch-related artifacts and interpretive displays, it explores how Florida became the nation’s primary gateway to space.
Organizers say the goal is to connect Washington policymakers and visitors with the history and future of aerospace activity in Florida. From early rocket launches to modern national security missions, the exhibit outlines how the state’s coastal geography, infrastructure investments, and public-private partnerships positioned it as a launch leader.
The collaboration with the U.S. Space Force and its historical foundation adds a contemporary dimension, underscoring Florida’s continued relevance in national defense and space strategy. Materials developed with the Aldrin Family Foundation also highlight the legacy of American astronauts and space exploration milestones tied to Florida launch sites.
Florida House, which serves as an official embassy for the State of Florida in Washington, frequently hosts policy briefings, cultural programming, and exhibits designed to showcase the state’s economic and historical contributions. The aerospace exhibit coincides with renewed national attention on space commercialization and security.
The installation runs approximately alongside regular Florida House programming and is open to visitors during scheduled hours and special events throughout 2026.
