National Museum of the U.S. Air Force 100th Anniversary Video
The National Museum of the United States Air Force is internationally acclaimed as the world's largest and oldest military aviation museum. It is located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, near Dayton, Ohio, home of the Wright brothers.
The museum's origin dates back to 1923 when it started in the corner of an aircraft hangar at McCook Field near downtown Dayton. From the informal showing of World War I planes and equipment of both the United States and foreign governments, the collection has grown to more than 360 aerospace vehicles and missiles, plus thousands of aviation artifacts on display.
Dayton had an early acquaintance with aviation. The Wright brothers developed their 1903 flyer in Dayton and continued flying at nearby Huffman Prairie between 1904 and 1910. The Army conducted experimental flying at McCook Field during and after World War I.
Area residents donated funds to purchase over 5,000 acres of land in the 1920s to help establish Wright Field as a research center to replace the outgrown McCook Field. The museum moved to Wright Field, and between 1927 and 1935, it occupied 8,100 square feet of space in a laboratory building.
In 1935 the museum got its first real home in the form of a specially designed building at Wright Field costing $203,000. Funding came through the Works Progress Administration. By this time, the museum collection included more than 3,000 items. But the new home was converted to wartime use in 1941, and the collection went into storage.
At the end of the war, General H.H. "Hap" Arnold directed the collection of items for the opening of a National Air Museum. The Air Technical Service Command, predecessor to Air Force Materiel Command, assumed the task of locating aircraft for the new National Air Museum of the Smithsonian Institution. In 1947 the Air Force decided to re-open the Air Force Museum to emphasize aircraft technical developments, using aircraft and equipment not needed by the National Air Museum. Housed in Building 89, the collection was open by appointment only until April 1955 when it was opened to the public. It was located at adjoining Patterson Field in a World War II structure that had housed an engine-overhaul facility. Attendance in 1955 totaled 41,662 visitors. Since then, attendance has spiraled to more than one million visitors a year.
www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Vis...
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Congratulations!! You're an international asset in the aviation history sphere. Long may that continue!
I was in the audience when Pres. Nixon dedicated the new Museum. watched that procession of aircraft, was way cool
I toured in 1961 when planes were out in a parking lot. I remember the B-24 Strawberry Bitch out there, so faded.
One of the best aviation museums in the world! I’ve been there several times and can’t wait to go back again!!
I've been there one time and it's not enough. I'd love to go back!!
Been there more times I can recall, starting back when it was just one building. Air Force vet from 1984-1991, and one of the aircraft I directly worked on is in this video starting at around 7:45 - the F-111F from RAF Lakenheath (the LN on the tail), aircraft #448, with the "48" enlarged and highlighted to represent the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath, as well as the wing commander's aircraft. I was a weapons loader there from 1984-1987.
In the early 70s 4 of us CAP cadets got to stay on Wright- Pat AFB for a weekend which included a day at the AF Museum. It looks like it's much bigger now. I currently live 3 miles from the AF Museum on Robins AFB in Georgia which may not be as big but excellent nonetheless.
@btipton6899
Жыл бұрын
It's now about 19 acres!
I've been to the museum a total of 7 times since 1987. My Boy Scout troop goes every 2-3 years. (We were just there in March.) For a while, each time I visited, the museum was bigger than the time before. To say that I love it would be an understatement! The museum holds a special place in my heart.❤ Bill Troskey, Air Force veteran, 1978-1982 🇺🇸✈️💙
Another great video! I have a suggestion--there are always items that are not on exhibit. In one of the milestone years in the future, why not plan a traveling exhibit with some of those items not currently on display to show the public and create interest for the USAF Museum. These KZread videos could be used to drum up interest for the traveling exhibit too.
Impressive!
Orville and Wilbur would b proud. If you like American history ...don't miss it.
Just there yesterday for my umpteenth visit. First one was in 1982 as a young boy. Coming back soon for the SAR exhibit and to see the refurbished Jenny. ❤NMUSAF!! P.S. Great production as always.
im flying to us in april 2024 and ill be in some aviation museums but i wont make it to yours which im really sad because im flying to orlando +new york+ DC...
@USAFmuseum
4 ай бұрын
Maybe next time!!!
❤🇺🇸👍