DAYTON, Ohio — The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2023 as the world’s oldest and largest military aviation museum.
The museum will commemorate the milestone with events and exhibits that celebrate its humble beginnings as a small engine study lab at McCook Field, through its growth to more than 19 indoor acres housing more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles and thousands of artifacts, museum officials said.
“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. It’s going to be an exciting year as we celebrate in style with events and exhibits that will appeal to the whole family.”
Events
- Monthly Gallery Features: Each month the museum will feature a new gallery.
- “Fitness Under the Wings:” A fitness experience every Saturday in January. Participants can take a free yoga class (space limited) or get their steps in with a walk through aviation history.
- Micro Drone Races, Feb. 24-26: Cheer on your favorite fast-flying micro machine as pilots maneuver their drones over, under, around, and through the museum’s aircraft displays to compete during the Fourth Annual Micro Drone Races.
- Kite Week: The public will be invited to bring their kites out to the front lawn of the museum during one week in March.
- Easter Egg Hunt, April 8: Bring the family to hunt for Easter eggs and take part in other family-friendly activities throughout the museum.
- Planes, Trains and Automobiles: An array of model aircraft, locomotives, and motor vehicles of all kinds will be featured against the backdrop of the museum’s aircraft displays for this event in late summer.
- Troops and Treats, Oct. 28: Ghosts and goblins of all ages are encouraged to dress in their favorite costume and come to the museum for a day of trick-or-treating, games, and fun.
Exhibits
- Two special exhibits include “Survival: The Exhibition,” which debuts Feb. 18 and runs through May 7, and “Discover Steampunk,” which arrives Sept. 24 and runs through Dec. 10.
- Enlisted Force Exhibit: This new exhibit highlights the highly skilled, trained, and talented enlisted force that has been the backbone of daily operations of the U.S. Department of the Air Force.
- The Centennial Exhibit, which opens May 20 in the Cold War Gallery, will give visitors a glimpse into the museums history and the people who make it all possible.
- Search and Rescue (SAR): This new exhibit highlighting combat search and rescue missions will be located in the Southeast Asia Gallery later in 2023.
Find out more at NationaMuseum.af.mil
Wow, I just realized I was there when they had their 50th anniversary, when the large aircraft were stored outside. It is (was) my favorite aviation museum, until it became PC, as are most of the government-owned aviation museums these days. Since this happened I have little interest in visiting what are become little more than indoctrination centers from the far left. It is a pity though. That gorgeous XB-70 is there. I stood underneath it as a kid when it was first rolled out of its hangar in Palmdale, when my father worked for North American Aviation – in pre-wokee days.