Rare aviation memorabilia to be auctioned at N.H. museum’s anniversary gala

The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire is planning a celebration for its 25th anniversary that includes live music from an 18-piece big band, a gourmet buffet, and auction items that include memorabilia from NASA’s Apollo program and a copy of Chuck Yeager’s autobiography signed by the legendary aviator.

The Swingin’ Silver Anniversary Gala, set for Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, in Manchester, N.H., is a fundraiser for the museum’s expanding youth aviation education initiatives, including a student plane-building program, a new summer camp planned for 2023, and more, according to officials.

“We’re throwing a party for our 25th anniversary, and the entire community is invited to come fly with us,” said Jeff Rapsis, the museum’s executive director.

The event will features a Grand Prize Raffle for three packages: an “Aviation Lover’s Weekend Getaway” for two people at the restored TWA Hotel at New York’s JFK airport valued at $1,500; a Dine Out package of 25 gift cards to local restaurants valued at $1,800; and 10 hours of simulator flight time with professional instruction valued at $2,000. The simulator time and professional instruction are donated by National Flight Simulator, Inc. at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.

The gala will also feature a silent auction including memorabilia from NASA’s Apollo program, such as a limited edition leather-bound book signed by Apollo 12 Astronaut Alan Bean and a souvenir program from the launch of Apollo 16 in 1972. Other items include a limited edition deluxe printing of Yeager, the autobiography of legendary test pilot Chuck Yeager signed by the author; a family trip for four to visit the Kennedy Space Center; and a collection of pewter aircraft models created by the Danbury Mint.

The auction also includes vintage aviation-themed board games and puzzles, several high-end presentation models, including the U.S. Force’s new KC-46a Pegasus tanker, framed artwork, and more.

All auction items can be previewed online starting Tuesday, Sept. 27. Online bids may be placed through Oct. 13 at 5 p.m. Gala attendance is not mandatory to bid online or win.

The event also includes a special appearance by the first airplane built by Manchester School of Technology students. The two-seat RV-12iS, which made its inaugural flight in August, is the product of a partnership between the museum and the school, with support from the local business community and individual donors.

Tickets are $75 per person, or $500 for a table of eight people. Tickets can be purchased online at www.nhahs.org; by phone at 603-669-4877; or in person at the museum.