The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force has announced that it will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a series of special events and exhibits throughout 2023. Among the plans are special exhibits on enlisted forces, search and rescue (SAR) and the evolution of the museum itself. Other scheduled events include monthly gallery features, micro-drone races and a model planes, trains and automobiles feature.
“Celebrating 100 years is a significant milestone in the history of any museum,” said National Museum of the U.S. Air Force historian Doug Lantry. “The growth we have experienced over the last century is directly attributed to the Air Force’s wise commitment to preserving its heritage and the tremendous support we receive from our local, national and international communities.”
Founded in 1923 as an engineering study collection, the museum currently houses more than 350 vehicles and missiles and thousands of aerospace-related artifacts. The collection is aimed at highlighting “the evolution of flight and the history and establishment of the U.S. Air Force as an independent service.” Located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, it includes more than 19 acres of indoor exhibit space and offers free admission and parking.
Further event details can be found on the museum’s website at www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.
Congratulations to the Air Force Museum. I have lost count of how many times I have visited there. With all of the expansion over the years it now would take at least 2 days to see all the exhibits.
Congrats!!!!!
I love this place, my favorite museum. Even though I’ve visited more than 10 times, I’d like to go back, but I’m getting too old to travel. During my last time there in 2007 I took a behind the scenes tour of aircraft being restored. During a Q/A session I decided to offer up a line I’d picked up while I was in the Army at Ft. Gordon GA, a Signal Corps post. There, the Air Force Museum was jokingly referred to as the Dayton Branch of the Signal Corps Museum. What was the reaction I received to my attempt at some good natured humor? Nothing! Nothing at all! I don’t think the people on the tour understood the history behind it all.
Oh. well. I’m glad the NMUSAF has passed this milestone. I wish it the best over the next 100 years.
Tom H.