On Tuesday, November 24, the Intrepid Museum hosted the Gift of Thanksgiving, an annual celebration exclusively for families who are homeless, inviting them to enjoy a night of education and entertainment at the Museum.

In partnership with the New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS), the Intrepid Museum welcomed families from all five boroughs who are currently living in transitional housing. The number of families experiencing homelessness has risen in New York City. New shelters were opened to meet the need, and residents of these new facilities see protesters outside their windows most days. It has been a rough year for the DHS in general and for these families in particular, who face the enormous challenge of lacking one of life’s basic necessities.

The Intrepid Museum’s mission was to give families, particularly the children, a festive evening in a safe and fun environment. When families arrived at the Museum, they received a tour of Intrepid and the Space Shuttle Pavilion, home to the space shuttle Enterprise. This year, the families were also treated to a show by the Intrepid Museum’s own theater company, The Crossing the Line Players! The company’s first full-length, interactive show, Astronauts Behaving Badly, showcases some of the zany antics of astronauts as they explored our solar system.

Before the show, families were greeted by a surprise special guest. Former astronaut Mike Massimino paid a visit and talked to the kids about what it takes to become an astronaut—inspiring young guests to reach for the stars.

Intrepid Museum staff, along with volunteers from the American Legion, served families a delicious Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. After dinner, kids played in our immersive exhibits, participated in educational activities, saw a show in our pop-up planetarium and even confronted some stormtroopers from the 501st Legion’s Empire City Garrison, who tried to invade the festivities from their galaxy far, far away. Some parents joined in on the fun, while others took the opportunity just to sit and talk, knowing that their kids were playing in a safe environment.

The dinner was catered by CxRA, and refreshments were provided by the Coca-Cola Company.  Party Rental Ltd. and Craig Kiely and Darryn Murphy Designs made our Exploreum Interactive Hall festive and inviting. Flight Avionics provided free access to the XD Theater, a flight simulator ride, and SharpShooter Imaging provided free family photos for our guests.

At the end of the night, every guest was given a gift bag with an Intrepid Museum knit hat and other fun Museum items. The families were terrific guests, and the night made everyone—staff, guests and volunteers—thankful for what they have.