Former astronaut Dunbar next subject of Legacy Project

YAKIMA, Wash. -- Outlook native Bonnie Dunbar, this state's first female astronaut, will be the latest Washingtonian to have her life story documented by The Legacy Project, an oral history program established by the Office of the Secretary of State last year.

A ceremony commemorating the milestone is slated for 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, where Dunbar serves as the president and chief executive officer.

Dunbar grew up on a cattle ranch near Sunnyside, graduating from Sunnyside High School in 1967. She's one of only 51 women who have blasted into space.

At Tuesday's ceremony, Secretary of State Sam Reed will give the keynote address. First Gentleman Mike Gregoire is expected to attend, bringing greetings from Gov. Chris Gregoire.

Trova Heffernan, director of The Legacy Project, and Kevin Callaghan, board chairman of the Museum of Flight, will speak, as well as Dunbar herself.

Yakima Valley residents who can't make it to the ceremony can watch it online. The ceremony will be televised by TVW and available on streaming video at www.tvw.org.

The Legacy Project publishes oral histories and biographies of Washingtonians who have been instrumental in shaping history. The materials are published online and free for reading or downloading.

Dunbar's story, including photos of her as a child in the Yakima Valley, can be viewed at www.secstate.wa.gov/legacyproject/oralhistories/BonnieDunbar.

Other profiles include Charles Z. Smith, the first ethnic minority on the State Supreme Court; pioneering female journalist Adele Ferguson; and rocker-turned-civic activist Krist Novoselic.

"It is a real treat for Washing-tonians and people around the globe to learn more about the Bonnie Dunbar story," Reed said in a news release. "She literally saw that the sky was the limit, and through an excellent work ethic, a top-notch education and family support, she excelled in a male-dominated field and flew five missions in space."