About Us
About Bill Costen
William H. “Bill” Costen is the founder of The Costen Cultural Virtual Exhibit, a collection of digitally recorded images, Black History artifacts, photographs, sound files, text documents, and other data of historical, scientific, or cultural interest. The exhibit shows world history and what part African Americans played in it.
Costen is the curator of The Costen Cultural Exhibit, a Black History traveling museum. The Costen Cultural Exhibit is a unique collection of rare photographs, documents, ephemera, memorabilia, fine art, and collectibles which serves as a vehicle to educate, encourage, enlighten and inspire people of the African American imprint on this country. It documents the history, literature, politics, and culture and represents the diverse experience from across the country focusing on regional, ethnic and generational differences. It attempts to explain the history that has been hidden from the world and it honors the contributions of African Americans to society. It is a vibrant showcase of culture, history and education. It invokes emotions ranging from pride and passion to enthusiasm and excitement. It inspires and motivates while leaving a lasting and enlightening impact on adults and children alike. It wants young people to know about their ancestors’ strengths, perseverance, dedication and struggles to open the gates a little wider for those who would come after them.
The Costen Cultural Exhibit has been custom designed to travel to any location. Topics address the interests of all age groups and include slavery, civil rights, politics, government, invention, science, athletics, sports, aviation, military, music, dance, theater, literary arts, religion, radio, film, television, and other forms of popular entertainment. The exhibit has been displayed at fundraising events, schools, colleges, universities, museums, historical societies, churches, companies and community organizations.
Before creating his traveling museum he was the first African American hot air balloon commercial pilot in the country. Costen has been President and CEO of Sky Endeavors LLC (oldest African American aviation business in the country since 1975). His ballooning career began in 1975 when he created and designed “The State of Connecticut Bicentennial Balloon,” which was dedicated by Governor Ella Grasso. He became a Raven (Aerostar) Dealer and started Sky Endeavors; a hot air balloon company dealing in sales, instruction, rides and promotions. He was an active member of The International Professional Balloon Pilots Racing Association and was an active pilot in The Great American Balloon Racing Circuit. Being the first African American commercial hot air balloon pilot in the country, he was featured in Ebony Magazine in 1977 and Black Enterprise in both 1981 and 1989.
Throughout the years, Costen has trained several people to become hot air balloon pilots. He has used his balloon for advertising purposes for many major companies and organizations. Many organizations have rewarded employees and supporters with gift certificates to fly at their leisure. He has given actual balloon rides to thousands of customers in addition to tether rides to thousands of people attending annual fairs and outdoor functions. He has done grand openings for car dealerships, restaurants, stores, malls, and businesses across Connecticut. Schools have used his balloon to motivate, reward and entertain students.
In 2016, he received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Balloon Federation of America called the “Ed Yost Master Pilot Award,” which recognizes lighter than air (LTA) pilots who have demonstrated professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise by maintaining safe operations for 40 or more consecutive years as active pilots.
Costen’s daughter, Chantal Potter grew up ballooning. While a student at Howard University she decided to produce a documentary film on her father’s life. Her feature documentary debut, “Balloon Man” had a 2020-2021 film festival run. It was an Official Selection of the RSF Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, the Festival International du Film PanAfrican de Cannes, the Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film & Lecture Series, the Black Film Festival of New Orleans, the Queens Underground International Black and Brown Film Festival, and the Maryland International Film Festival. The film won Film of the Year at the Rhode Island Black Film Festival, Best Sound Editing at the Chesapeake Film Festival, Best Documentary at the New York Film Awards, and a Gold REMI Award at the WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival. Balloon Man was acquired by Gravitas Ventures and had a February 2021 Video on Demand release.
An avid professional photo documentarian, Costen has photographed and documented events including professional tennis tournaments, golf tournaments, basketball hall of fame induction ceremonies, Delta Sigma Theta Conventions, NAACP Conventions, Urban League conventions, the 50th Anniversary March on Washington, the construction of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), and the construction of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
Among his many awards, on February 25, 2008, he received the AMTRAK Appreciation and Recognition Award for Passenger Rail Travel in Washington DC. On May 3, 2014, he received a General Assembly Official Citation from CT State Senator, Eric D. Coleman for being the first African American Commercial Hot Air Balloon Pilot. In 2014, he received the June Archer & Eleven28 Entertainment’s One Hundred Men of Color Award. On February 24, 2017, he received a Certificate of Accomplishment, SBNO 4th Annual Business Gala from U.S. Senator, Christopher S. Murphy. In 2017, he received a Public Leadership Citation, Voices of Black Businesses, from CT State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier. In 2019, he received the Urban League William “Bill” Brown Community Leadership and Service Award. In 2020, he was interviewed by Dennis House on Face The State, WFSB Channel 3 as a feature for Black History Month. In 2021, he was featured on NBC by Leslie Mayes “Connecticut in Color.” In 2021, he received the Blue Hills Civic Association (BHCA) Hero Award. In 2021, he was selected as the 2021 Native Omaha Days Homecoming Parade “Honorary Grand Marshall.” In 2022, his life story was inducted into The History Makers, a digital repository of the Black Experience located at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Costen achieved the Silver Eagle Scout Award and worked as a Porter on The Union Pacific Railroad during the summers of his college years. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and psychology from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia. He was on the honor roll, track & field champion in the shot put, discus and javelin, and was an all-state conference defensive tackle which led him to be drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the NFL. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, he worked as a Commercial Senior Account Underwriter for various insurance companies.
Costen is the curator of The Costen Cultural Exhibit, a Black History traveling museum. The Costen Cultural Exhibit is a unique collection of rare photographs, documents, ephemera, memorabilia, fine art, and collectibles which serves as a vehicle to educate, encourage, enlighten and inspire people of the African American imprint on this country. It documents the history, literature, politics, and culture and represents the diverse experience from across the country focusing on regional, ethnic and generational differences. It attempts to explain the history that has been hidden from the world and it honors the contributions of African Americans to society. It is a vibrant showcase of culture, history and education. It invokes emotions ranging from pride and passion to enthusiasm and excitement. It inspires and motivates while leaving a lasting and enlightening impact on adults and children alike. It wants young people to know about their ancestors’ strengths, perseverance, dedication and struggles to open the gates a little wider for those who would come after them.
The Costen Cultural Exhibit has been custom designed to travel to any location. Topics address the interests of all age groups and include slavery, civil rights, politics, government, invention, science, athletics, sports, aviation, military, music, dance, theater, literary arts, religion, radio, film, television, and other forms of popular entertainment. The exhibit has been displayed at fundraising events, schools, colleges, universities, museums, historical societies, churches, companies and community organizations.
Before creating his traveling museum he was the first African American hot air balloon commercial pilot in the country. Costen has been President and CEO of Sky Endeavors LLC (oldest African American aviation business in the country since 1975). His ballooning career began in 1975 when he created and designed “The State of Connecticut Bicentennial Balloon,” which was dedicated by Governor Ella Grasso. He became a Raven (Aerostar) Dealer and started Sky Endeavors; a hot air balloon company dealing in sales, instruction, rides and promotions. He was an active member of The International Professional Balloon Pilots Racing Association and was an active pilot in The Great American Balloon Racing Circuit. Being the first African American commercial hot air balloon pilot in the country, he was featured in Ebony Magazine in 1977 and Black Enterprise in both 1981 and 1989.
Throughout the years, Costen has trained several people to become hot air balloon pilots. He has used his balloon for advertising purposes for many major companies and organizations. Many organizations have rewarded employees and supporters with gift certificates to fly at their leisure. He has given actual balloon rides to thousands of customers in addition to tether rides to thousands of people attending annual fairs and outdoor functions. He has done grand openings for car dealerships, restaurants, stores, malls, and businesses across Connecticut. Schools have used his balloon to motivate, reward and entertain students.
In 2016, he received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Balloon Federation of America called the “Ed Yost Master Pilot Award,” which recognizes lighter than air (LTA) pilots who have demonstrated professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise by maintaining safe operations for 40 or more consecutive years as active pilots.
Costen’s daughter, Chantal Potter grew up ballooning. While a student at Howard University she decided to produce a documentary film on her father’s life. Her feature documentary debut, “Balloon Man” had a 2020-2021 film festival run. It was an Official Selection of the RSF Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, the Festival International du Film PanAfrican de Cannes, the Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film & Lecture Series, the Black Film Festival of New Orleans, the Queens Underground International Black and Brown Film Festival, and the Maryland International Film Festival. The film won Film of the Year at the Rhode Island Black Film Festival, Best Sound Editing at the Chesapeake Film Festival, Best Documentary at the New York Film Awards, and a Gold REMI Award at the WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival. Balloon Man was acquired by Gravitas Ventures and had a February 2021 Video on Demand release.
An avid professional photo documentarian, Costen has photographed and documented events including professional tennis tournaments, golf tournaments, basketball hall of fame induction ceremonies, Delta Sigma Theta Conventions, NAACP Conventions, Urban League conventions, the 50th Anniversary March on Washington, the construction of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), and the construction of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
Among his many awards, on February 25, 2008, he received the AMTRAK Appreciation and Recognition Award for Passenger Rail Travel in Washington DC. On May 3, 2014, he received a General Assembly Official Citation from CT State Senator, Eric D. Coleman for being the first African American Commercial Hot Air Balloon Pilot. In 2014, he received the June Archer & Eleven28 Entertainment’s One Hundred Men of Color Award. On February 24, 2017, he received a Certificate of Accomplishment, SBNO 4th Annual Business Gala from U.S. Senator, Christopher S. Murphy. In 2017, he received a Public Leadership Citation, Voices of Black Businesses, from CT State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier. In 2019, he received the Urban League William “Bill” Brown Community Leadership and Service Award. In 2020, he was interviewed by Dennis House on Face The State, WFSB Channel 3 as a feature for Black History Month. In 2021, he was featured on NBC by Leslie Mayes “Connecticut in Color.” In 2021, he received the Blue Hills Civic Association (BHCA) Hero Award. In 2021, he was selected as the 2021 Native Omaha Days Homecoming Parade “Honorary Grand Marshall.” In 2022, his life story was inducted into The History Makers, a digital repository of the Black Experience located at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Costen achieved the Silver Eagle Scout Award and worked as a Porter on The Union Pacific Railroad during the summers of his college years. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and psychology from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia. He was on the honor roll, track & field champion in the shot put, discus and javelin, and was an all-state conference defensive tackle which led him to be drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the NFL. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, he worked as a Commercial Senior Account Underwriter for various insurance companies.
About Bill Costen
William H. “Bill” Costen is the founder of The Costen Cultural Virtual Exhibit, a collection of digitally recorded images, Black History artifacts, photographs, sound files, text documents, and other data of historical, scientific, or cultural interest. The exhibit shows world history and what part African Americans played in it.
Costen is the curator of The Costen Cultural Exhibit, a Black History traveling museum. The Costen Cultural Exhibit is a unique collection of rare photographs, documents, ephemera, memorabilia, fine art, and collectibles which serves as a vehicle to educate, encourage, enlighten and inspire people of the African American imprint on this country. It documents the history, literature, politics, and culture and represents the diverse experience from across the country focusing on regional, ethnic and generational differences. It attempts to explain the history that has been hidden from the world and it honors the contributions of African Americans to society. It is a vibrant showcase of culture, history and education. It invokes emotions ranging from pride and passion to enthusiasm and excitement. It inspires and motivates while leaving a lasting and enlightening impact on adults and children alike. It wants young people to know about their ancestors’ strengths, perseverance, dedication and struggles to open the gates a little wider for those who would come after them.
The Costen Cultural Exhibit has been custom designed to travel to any location. Topics address the interests of all age groups and include slavery, civil rights, politics, government, invention, science, athletics, sports, aviation, military, music, dance, theater, literary arts, religion, radio, film, television, and other forms of popular entertainment. The exhibit has been displayed at fundraising events, schools, colleges, universities, museums, historical societies, churches, companies and community organizations.
Before creating his traveling museum he was the first African American hot air balloon commercial pilot in the country. Costen has been President and CEO of Sky Endeavors LLC (oldest African American aviation business in the country since 1975). His ballooning career began in 1975 when he created and designed “The State of Connecticut Bicentennial Balloon,” which was dedicated by Governor Ella Grasso. He became a Raven (Aerostar) Dealer and started Sky Endeavors; a hot air balloon company dealing in sales, instruction, rides and promotions. He was an active member of The International Professional Balloon Pilots Racing Association and was an active pilot in The Great American Balloon Racing Circuit. Being the first African American commercial hot air balloon pilot in the country, he was featured in Ebony Magazine in 1977 and Black Enterprise in both 1981 and 1989.
Throughout the years, Costen has trained several people to become hot air balloon pilots. He has used his balloon for advertising purposes for many major companies and organizations. Many organizations have rewarded employees and supporters with gift certificates to fly at their leisure. He has given actual balloon rides to thousands of customers in addition to tether rides to thousands of people attending annual fairs and outdoor functions. He has done grand openings for car dealerships, restaurants, stores, malls, and businesses across Connecticut. Schools have used his balloon to motivate, reward and entertain students.
In 2016, he received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Balloon Federation of America called the “Ed Yost Master Pilot Award,” which recognizes lighter than air (LTA) pilots who have demonstrated professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise by maintaining safe operations for 40 or more consecutive years as active pilots.
Costen’s daughter, Chantal Potter grew up ballooning. While a student at Howard University she decided to produce a documentary film on her father’s life. Her feature documentary debut, “Balloon Man” had a 2020-2021 film festival run. It was an Official Selection of the RSF Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, the Festival International du Film PanAfrican de Cannes, the Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film & Lecture Series, the Black Film Festival of New Orleans, the Queens Underground International Black and Brown Film Festival, and the Maryland International Film Festival. The film won Film of the Year at the Rhode Island Black Film Festival, Best Sound Editing at the Chesapeake Film Festival, Best Documentary at the New York Film Awards, and a Gold REMI Award at the WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival. Balloon Man was acquired by Gravitas Ventures and had a February 2021 Video on Demand release.
An avid professional photo documentarian, Costen has photographed and documented events including professional tennis tournaments, golf tournaments, basketball hall of fame induction ceremonies, Delta Sigma Theta Conventions, NAACP Conventions, Urban League conventions, the 50th Anniversary March on Washington, the construction of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), and the construction of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
Among his many awards, on February 25, 2008, he received the AMTRAK Appreciation and Recognition Award for Passenger Rail Travel in Washington DC. On May 3, 2014, he received a General Assembly Official Citation from CT State Senator, Eric D. Coleman for being the first African American Commercial Hot Air Balloon Pilot. In 2014, he received the June Archer & Eleven28 Entertainment’s One Hundred Men of Color Award. On February 24, 2017, he received a Certificate of Accomplishment, SBNO 4th Annual Business Gala from U.S. Senator, Christopher S. Murphy. In 2017, he received a Public Leadership Citation, Voices of Black Businesses, from CT State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier. In 2019, he received the Urban League William “Bill” Brown Community Leadership and Service Award. In 2020, he was interviewed by Dennis House on Face The State, WFSB Channel 3 as a feature for Black History Month. In 2021, he was featured on NBC by Leslie Mayes “Connecticut in Color.” In 2021, he received the Blue Hills Civic Association (BHCA) Hero Award. In 2021, he was selected as the 2021 Native Omaha Days Homecoming Parade “Honorary Grand Marshall.” In 2022, his life story was inducted into The History Makers, a digital repository of the Black Experience located at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Costen achieved the Silver Eagle Scout Award and worked as a Porter on The Union Pacific Railroad during the summers of his college years. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and psychology from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia. He was on the honor roll, track & field champion in the shot put, discus and javelin, and was an all-state conference defensive tackle which led him to be drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the NFL. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, he worked as a Commercial Senior Account Underwriter for various insurance companies.
Costen is the curator of The Costen Cultural Exhibit, a Black History traveling museum. The Costen Cultural Exhibit is a unique collection of rare photographs, documents, ephemera, memorabilia, fine art, and collectibles which serves as a vehicle to educate, encourage, enlighten and inspire people of the African American imprint on this country. It documents the history, literature, politics, and culture and represents the diverse experience from across the country focusing on regional, ethnic and generational differences. It attempts to explain the history that has been hidden from the world and it honors the contributions of African Americans to society. It is a vibrant showcase of culture, history and education. It invokes emotions ranging from pride and passion to enthusiasm and excitement. It inspires and motivates while leaving a lasting and enlightening impact on adults and children alike. It wants young people to know about their ancestors’ strengths, perseverance, dedication and struggles to open the gates a little wider for those who would come after them.
The Costen Cultural Exhibit has been custom designed to travel to any location. Topics address the interests of all age groups and include slavery, civil rights, politics, government, invention, science, athletics, sports, aviation, military, music, dance, theater, literary arts, religion, radio, film, television, and other forms of popular entertainment. The exhibit has been displayed at fundraising events, schools, colleges, universities, museums, historical societies, churches, companies and community organizations.
Before creating his traveling museum he was the first African American hot air balloon commercial pilot in the country. Costen has been President and CEO of Sky Endeavors LLC (oldest African American aviation business in the country since 1975). His ballooning career began in 1975 when he created and designed “The State of Connecticut Bicentennial Balloon,” which was dedicated by Governor Ella Grasso. He became a Raven (Aerostar) Dealer and started Sky Endeavors; a hot air balloon company dealing in sales, instruction, rides and promotions. He was an active member of The International Professional Balloon Pilots Racing Association and was an active pilot in The Great American Balloon Racing Circuit. Being the first African American commercial hot air balloon pilot in the country, he was featured in Ebony Magazine in 1977 and Black Enterprise in both 1981 and 1989.
Throughout the years, Costen has trained several people to become hot air balloon pilots. He has used his balloon for advertising purposes for many major companies and organizations. Many organizations have rewarded employees and supporters with gift certificates to fly at their leisure. He has given actual balloon rides to thousands of customers in addition to tether rides to thousands of people attending annual fairs and outdoor functions. He has done grand openings for car dealerships, restaurants, stores, malls, and businesses across Connecticut. Schools have used his balloon to motivate, reward and entertain students.
In 2016, he received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Balloon Federation of America called the “Ed Yost Master Pilot Award,” which recognizes lighter than air (LTA) pilots who have demonstrated professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise by maintaining safe operations for 40 or more consecutive years as active pilots.
Costen’s daughter, Chantal Potter grew up ballooning. While a student at Howard University she decided to produce a documentary film on her father’s life. Her feature documentary debut, “Balloon Man” had a 2020-2021 film festival run. It was an Official Selection of the RSF Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, the Festival International du Film PanAfrican de Cannes, the Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film & Lecture Series, the Black Film Festival of New Orleans, the Queens Underground International Black and Brown Film Festival, and the Maryland International Film Festival. The film won Film of the Year at the Rhode Island Black Film Festival, Best Sound Editing at the Chesapeake Film Festival, Best Documentary at the New York Film Awards, and a Gold REMI Award at the WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival. Balloon Man was acquired by Gravitas Ventures and had a February 2021 Video on Demand release.
An avid professional photo documentarian, Costen has photographed and documented events including professional tennis tournaments, golf tournaments, basketball hall of fame induction ceremonies, Delta Sigma Theta Conventions, NAACP Conventions, Urban League conventions, the 50th Anniversary March on Washington, the construction of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), and the construction of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
Among his many awards, on February 25, 2008, he received the AMTRAK Appreciation and Recognition Award for Passenger Rail Travel in Washington DC. On May 3, 2014, he received a General Assembly Official Citation from CT State Senator, Eric D. Coleman for being the first African American Commercial Hot Air Balloon Pilot. In 2014, he received the June Archer & Eleven28 Entertainment’s One Hundred Men of Color Award. On February 24, 2017, he received a Certificate of Accomplishment, SBNO 4th Annual Business Gala from U.S. Senator, Christopher S. Murphy. In 2017, he received a Public Leadership Citation, Voices of Black Businesses, from CT State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier. In 2019, he received the Urban League William “Bill” Brown Community Leadership and Service Award. In 2020, he was interviewed by Dennis House on Face The State, WFSB Channel 3 as a feature for Black History Month. In 2021, he was featured on NBC by Leslie Mayes “Connecticut in Color.” In 2021, he received the Blue Hills Civic Association (BHCA) Hero Award. In 2021, he was selected as the 2021 Native Omaha Days Homecoming Parade “Honorary Grand Marshall.” In 2022, his life story was inducted into The History Makers, a digital repository of the Black Experience located at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Costen achieved the Silver Eagle Scout Award and worked as a Porter on The Union Pacific Railroad during the summers of his college years. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and psychology from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia. He was on the honor roll, track & field champion in the shot put, discus and javelin, and was an all-state conference defensive tackle which led him to be drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the NFL. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, he worked as a Commercial Senior Account Underwriter for various insurance companies.