Aviation Museums
If you're an aviation enthusiast these museums are worth checking out! With museums in every state, there is bound to be one near you!
Aviation museums offer a unique and fascinating insight into the incredible technological progress achieved in aviation since its origins. Although they often contain rare and preserved aircraft, they also aim to provide education, creating interactive displays with multimedia presentations. Aviation museums can be incredibly varied, offering many different experiences. Visitors might be able to see a historical aircraft suspended from the ceiling, explore significant artifacts related to iconic figures in aviation history. Further still, there are air shows and other special events to behold. Aviation museums make for an ideal day out for both aviation enthusiasts and those wishing merely for an entertaining, educational experience.
Helicopter Museums
Helicopter museums are an exciting learning experience for those passionate about aviation. These institutions have a variety of aircrafts from different eras, allowing visitors to walk through history and get insights into the development of helicopters throughout time. At these museums, one can find both working and non-working aircrafts; some may even be used for giving rides! In addition, many of these museums feature interactive exhibits that allow visitors to gain hands-on knowledge on how aerial apparatus is operated and maintained. A visit to a helicopter museum promises to be an informative and thrilling journey into the world of aviation history.
There are a few airplane museums solely dedicated to helicopters such as the ones below.
| Helicopter Museum | Location |
|---|---|
| American Helicopter Museums | PA |
| National Helicopter Museum | CT |
| Vietnam Helicopters Museum | CA |
Naval Aviator Museums
US Naval Aviation has a long and proud history. It began in 1910, when the first aircraft was purchased by the US Navy and has since grown to become one of the largest air forces in the world. Naval aviators take part in both offensive and defensive operations, providing air support for ground troops, delivering cargo and personnel around the world, conducting search-and-rescue operations, conducting surveillance missions, providing medical evacuation assistance and performing other vital tasks. Today's naval aviators are some of the most skilled pilots in the world due to their rigorous training regime which involves advanced cockpit techniques, navigation instrument knowledge and weapon systems proficiency. This training enables them to carry out their duties efficiently, often under extreme circumstance. There are a few museums dedicated solely to Naval Aviation. For the purposes of this directory, aircraft carrier museums have been included in this list.
Step into living history at the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Central Texas Wing in San Marcos, Texas, where the roar of vintage warbirds fills the air. Home to an impressive fleet of seven historic aircraft, including the legendary B-25 Mitchell Yellow Rose and the P-39 Airacobra Miss Connie, this aviation treasure invites visitors to witness these iconic machines up close.
What to Expect
- Warbird Rides: Feel the power of history as you take flight in an authentic WWII aircraft.
- Living Aviation Museum: Explore meticulously restored planes that played a crucial role in military history.
- Engaging Tours & Events: Get behind-the-scenes insights into aircraft restoration and the stories of the brave men and women who flew them.
Pro Tip: If you're eager to see a specific aircraft, call ahead—some planes may be out on tour or offering rides.
The Air Force Enlisted Heritage Research Institute (AFEHRI) was established 23 May 1997 and is currently a component of the Barnes Center for Enlisted Education. It is comprised of a Director, a Curator, a Superintendent in charge of the AFEHRI operations, and an Information Technology and Administration Technician. The AFEHRI’s mission is to support the Barnes Center for Enlisted Education mission by educating and inspiring enlisted leaders on our enlisted history, heritage, and the resulting contribution to air and space power. The AFEHRI answers monthly information requests from as high as the Secretary of Defense down to the lowest ranking Airman. The AFEHRI is responsible for editing both the Aviation History and Air Force Heritage chapters of Air Force Handbook 1, Airman that all testing-eligible Airmen study for promotion. Support is also provided to students in all facets of enlisted Professional Military Education (PME). It also provides secondary student support to the USAF First Sergeant Academy, as well as to the Officer Training School (OTS), Air Command and Staff College (ACSC), Air War College (AWC), the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), the Junior ROTC (JROTC), etc.
The institute is comprised of two elements. The research and archives element consists of a research center, archives storage, and a student computer lab. The heritage center element consists of the Air Force Enlisted Heritage Hall, with many student-teaching exhibits. A city and state tourist attraction, it is also serves as a military museum to civilian visitors. The AFEHRI preserves the rich and dramatic heritage and tradition of the United States Air Force and United States Space Force enlisted corps and its antecedents—Aeronautical Division, Army Air Service; Army Air Corps; and Army Air Forces. By doing so, it contributes to the development of air and space power to defend the United States. The AFEHRI achieves its mission by featuring artifacts, art collections, pictorial exhibits, written and oral documentation, audiovisuals, equipment, and selected aircraft parts. Additionally, students use the in-house and online research capabilities to enhance learning and complete enlisted heritage research projects. A significant archival holding is also available, and efforts are systematically made to ensure its growth and availability to researchers and the public.
Source from the USAF Enlisted Heritage Museum website.
By Appointment Only! See website for more information.
The Vietnam Helicopters Museum in Concord, California is the perfect destination for travelers interested in aviation history. With a variety of military aircraft on display, including UH-1 Huey helicopters used during the Vietnam War, this museum offers more than just a visual experience. Visitors can learn about the brave pilots who operated these historic aircraft and their experiences during the war.
In addition to its impressive collection of Vietnam War–era helicopters, the museum also showcases an array of memorabilia from the era, such as wartime photographs and original uniforms. Plus, you can get up close and personal with some of the aircraft and artifacts on display.
This unique museum is located in one of California’s most stunning areas — Concord. This vibrant city offers plenty of activities while you’re visiting, from outdoor recreation at nearby Mt Diablo State Park to live music shows downtown. While you explore Concord's rich culture and heritage frontiers, be sure to stop by this incredible helicopter museum for an educational experience about America's involvement in one of its most important conflicts.