An early Christmas

Thanks to the families who came out to the Museum for Pizza with Santa. As Santa's elves (the children) were awaiting for the arrival of their boss, they were busy working on new toys as they assembled and tested Rudolph's Rockets and a fleet of air powered air gliders for The Claus Airlines under the supervision of Chief Elf Helen. They created cards for service men and women spending the holidays overseas and enjoyed singing holiday musical favorite "Jingle Bells" and other seasonal tunes with Ellis and Debi. With the weather being so fall-perfect for November, Santa's flight was on time and he taxied into our waiting area on schedule. He had a surprise passenger - Mrs. Claus! While each child had a private one on one chat with Santa, Mrs. Claus spruced up each elf with their favorite face painting design. The Museum thanks Kevin Walsh and Middle River Aviation, the Baltimore County Commission on Arts and Sciences, and Pedestal Events for their support of these festivities. If you missed this year's event, be sure to include Santa's arrival at the Museum on your 2013 calendar and save the date to launch next year's holiday season.

Santa's Workshop at Martin Museum. Start a family tradition and launch your holiday season with us on Friday. Twas the day after Thanksgiving and throughout the Museum excitement was building for Pizza with Santa!  Santa is arriving for a visit to the Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum at Martin State Airport on Friday, November 23 as children 4 - 10 years old are put to work in his aviation workshop from 11am - 2pm. Pizza, crafts and a visit with this red suited sleigh pilot provides a memorable launching to the holiday season. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $10 for children, $5 for adults.  Tickets are available by calling 410-682-6122, or at GLMMuseumPR@aol.com.

The 4-O-4 gets detailed

With a fresh coat of paint and lettering, the airliner looks ready for take-off.

The Martin 4-O-4 airliner is looking as good as new with a fresh coat of paint and new lettering and details.  The aircraft is painted to look line one of the prototypes that rolled out the Middle River plant sixty years ago.  The plane may never fly again, but it still looks ready for an excursion to an East Coast city, much as it did in its commercial heyday.

Sign company crew apply striping.

Thanks once again to the generous support of the MS2 Division of Lockheed Martin which made this rebirth of the iconic airliner possible.

Everything was Rosie on October 13, 2012 as the Museum celebrated its annual Rosie the Riveter Day.  This event honors the women of the 1940's who served on the homefront during World War II and contributed to bringing the war to an end while bringing social change to the workplace. These pioneers of the 20th century who attended the Museum's event shared their work experiences with Museum visitors.   Thank you Rosies! 

The Baltimore Chapter of the American Rosie the Riveter Association will be meeting at the Museum on Saturday, November 10 at 10:30am and all women of WWII who served on the homefront in jobs usually done by men and their family members with Rosie stories are invited to attend. At 11am, the Museum will honor veterans with a special recognition day and the Rosies will be there to share in that experience for honoring the military pilots and mechanics who flew and serviced the planes they built. 

Museum, Maryland ANG announce partnership

Participants in Saturday's symposium stand by the ANG's restored F-86 Saberjet.

Saturday night's fund-raising dinner was the perfect time to announce a new working relationship between the Museum and the Maryland Air National Guard. The Museum will host a new ANG Hall of Fame.  First inductees were Gens. Ed Clark, Vic Kilkowski, Bruce Tuxill, Vernon Sevier and NCO Frank Darney.

People take a look at auction items.

The day-long symposium presented the background for the progression to the present-day Guard and its current responsibilities.

The museum also honored the contributions of its own volunteers with a special presentation to Jack Brothers, Will Gibson,  Urban Linn, Harry Mettee, Owen Smith, and Harvey Hodgin.  Harvey was given extra nod for his long years of support.


The dinner and silent auction attracted well over 100 people who saw highlights of the Guard's history in still photos and film clips put together by former ANG member Ron Ball.

4-O-4 gets a little color

The museum's 4-O-4 airliner starts to get some new highlights.

The 4-O-4 is looking better with some fresh gold paint.  The color scheme will resemble the prototype.  The painters expect to be finished within the next few weeks, weather permitting.  The museum is already talking about a special day to show off the refreshed aircraft. Stay tuned.

The tail and stripes are being painted gold.

Symposium this Saturday

You only have a few more days to register for the FREE symposium September 29 on the history of the Maryland Air National Guard.  There will be two sessions: a morning panel on early history and an afternoon session on activities of the last decade.

Several past commanders and people who participated in the missions of the "First to Fly" Air National Guard organization will be panelists.

The morning session is 10 AM to 11:30 AM and the afternoon is 1 PM to 2:30 PM.  The symposium will take place at the Warfield Air National Guard Base on the grounds of Martin State Airport.  You MUST register in advance, unless you have a DOD badge.  Enter from Eastern Boulevard and you will be directed to the symposium.  You may leave the base for lunch but must return before the second session begins.

Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime event.  The Maryland ANG has been around for nine decades, but the symposium is only one day. Registration closes Wednesday, September 26.

To register and for additional information, visit our webiste: www.wingsovermaryland.org

Work begins on 4-O-4

Volunteers and painters get the 4-O-4 ready for update.

Work to repaint the Martin 4-O-4 has begun.  The airliner has been cleaned, sanded and taping is underway.  The nose cone has been cleaned and is ready for primer and paint.  When the prepping is done, the paint crew will begin applying the primer, weather permitting.

Say tuned for the official unveiling of the refreshed aircraft some time this fall.  Again, thank you to the Middle River MS2 division of Lockheed Martin for providing the funds for this important project.

Neal Amrstrong, 1930-2012

Neal Armstrong, center, was one of several Project Gemini astronauts to visit the Middle River plant to get a closer look at the Titan II rocket that would lift them into space.  Mr. Armstrong had considered an invitation to be part of the Gemini symposium at the museum last fall, but a family commitment prevented him from accepting. The first man to step foot on the moon as part of Apollo 11 died on August 25. 

Farewell and thank you

For the Lockheed Martin celebration, the Pusher became a Martin aircraft, with some graphic touches.

The museum is richer for the visit of the 1911 Ely Curtiss Pusher.

The aircraft was the centerpiece of the Martin Company centennial celebration both at the museum and the nearby Lockheed Martin Corporation.

                                                                           

                                                                                                Curtiss pilot and builder Bob Coolbaugh meets member       Harvey Hodgin, who tried on  Bob' flight Jacket.

On Saturday and Sunday people lined up at the museum to see the only flying example of the aircraft that was used as a model by Glenn L. Martin for his flying machines.  Except for some minor differences and the names, only the trained eye could tell the difference in the aircraft built and flown by Navy veteran Bob Coolbaugh.

On Monday, Lockheed Martin marked the centennial with a special program that included several elected officials, including Gov. Martin O'Malley, Sen. Ben Cardin and Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger. Once again the centerpiece was the Curtiss Pusher, converted for the occasion into a Martin plane, and accompanied by the Curtiss crew dressed in period garb.

In honor of Mr. Martin, the local Lockheed Martin division presented the museum with a generous donation to help preserve the legacy of Glenn Martin and his company. Stay tuned for the special project the money will underwrite.

The 1911 Ely Curtiss Pusher gets ready to head home after a successful four-day visit to Baltimore.

Celebrate Martin Company's 100th

Crowds gather to get a closer look at the 1911 Ely Curtiss Pusher on display at the museum.

Saturday the museum celebrates National Aviation Day with an emphasis on the Martin Company's 100th anniversary. An added bonus will be the fly-in of the reproduction 1911 Ely-Curtiss Pusher. Glenn L. Martin used Curtiss aircraft as the models for his first airplanes. People can see this historic biplane and and get a chance to sit in a museum jet fighter or airliner Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM (weather permitting).  Other activities are also planned for the entire family. Also participating will be Rosie the Riveters, members of the Ninety-Nines (the International Organization of Women Pilots) and others. You can also learn about the Berlin Airlift and other topics and hear a musical tribute to the Wright Brothers.

The museum also will be open Sunday from 11 AM to 3 PM so you can see the Curtiss Pusher and our planes. However, the cockpits will not be open.

Scott Wycoff of WBAL Radio captured the arrival on video. You can see it at the link here
http://www.wbal.com/article/93141/53/template-story/

The Curtiss Pusher is flying up from Jerry Yagen's Military Aviation Museum in Pungo, Va., and it's appearance is being underwritten by the Lockheed Martin Corp.

Waiting at an airport near you

The B-17 Memphis Belle sits at Martin State Airport.

The Liberty Foundation's "Memphis Belle" is making Martin State Airport its home August 18 and 19 for tours and rides. The bomber usually flies between 10 AM and 3 PM each day with tours offered after the day's flights.  The Curtiss P-40 did not make the trip. See the website to reserve a seat on the B-17. http://www.libertyfoundation.org/index.html

The Museum will be open its regular hours, 11 AM to 3 PM, both Saturday and Sunday.

The 4-O-4 gets a scrubbing

Saturday wash crew takes a break fom giving the Martin 4-O-4 a much needed bath.

The heat and threat of rain didn't deter a dedicated
crew of volunteers who gave the Martin 4-O-4 a wash to take off years of dirt and pollution.  The cleaning was part of a long-range plan to restore the airliner to its former luster.  What's next?  Probably sprucing up the interior.  The 4-O-4 and other planes will be open to the public August 18 as part of the festivities for the centennial of the Martin Company. Also coming in for the event is a Curtiss Pusher, which Mr. Martin used as a model for his own early plane.

Open Cockpit Day

What started out as a damp day turned sunny as over 200 visitors came out to tour the museum and get a chance to see the Strawberry Point flight line up close.  People were to experience what it was like to fly first class as they say in the 1950s airliner, the Martin 4-O-4.  They marveled at the roomier seats passengers enjoyed then.
Also open were the Martin B-57 Canberra and the TA-4J Skyhawk.  People squeezed into the tight quarters of the bomber and were able to fantasize they were fighter pilots in the film "Top Gun." It was hard to say who had more fun -- the kids or adults.
The kids also got to try their hands at building rockets and seeing if their creations could hit a target. They all came away with smiles, thanks to the hard work of education coordinator Debi Wynn.
Of course, the day would not have been such a success without the support of the museum's volunteers.
The next Open Cockpit Day will be August 18, with added festivities to mark National Aviation Day and the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of Glenn L. Martin's first airplane company.
See you then!

Mary Cleave talks about her time at NASA

Mary Cleave is joined after her talk by Don Thomas (left) and Tom Jones.

Retired Shuttle astronaut and NASA administrator Mary Cleave talked about her time in space and on the ground to a large audience at Monday's Speaker Series. She entertained everyone with her stories about the astronaut selection process, her time in orbit and some of the important work she has done since.  In the audience were retired astronauts Don Thomas and Tom Jones.

Museum shows holiday spirit

Museum plane takes a spin around Wilson Point.

The Museum took a very visible place in the annual Wilson Point Fourth of July Parade with a float carrying a plane from its collection. The large model was a hit with parade-watchers and afterward children got a chance to sit in the cockpit when it was taken off the truck bed.  A big hand should go to the Museum's Aircraft Committee, headed by Jeff Michael, for making the holiday a high-flying success.

Where the action is

F-18 pilot salutes the crowd as he leaves for the show over Fort McHenry

Volunteers waiting to serve the crowd.

The weather was perfect as thousands attended the Star-Spangled Open House at Martin State Airport over the weekend. The crowds got a close look at several Navy planes and enjoyed the festivities.  People also had a chance to tour the museum and kids had a fun time with special activities, including rocket building.  The museum will be open regular hours,  11 AM to 3 PM Wednesday through Saturday. The flight line at Strawberry Point again is accessible to the public.

People saw a variety of aircraft, static and flying.

Getting ready for the big show

Blue Angel jets are lined up ready for the next show.

The ramp at Martin State Airport is getting crowded as more aircraft arrive the day before the weekend Open House.  Already crowds are gathering to watch the planes as they fly in and take position.  The Blue Angels will be making another practice run over Fort McHenry this afternoon and are sure to get the attention of people all over the metropolitan Baltimore area.  The show runs from 10 AM to 5 PM both Saturday and Sunday.  There will be vendors selling everything from ice cream to aircraft models.  And don't forget the museum is open extended hours both days.  Come early, because parking in designated spots is limited.

Blue Angels arrive

The Blue Angels flew into Martin State Airport Wednesday in preparation for their appearance as part of the Star-Spangled Sailabration show over Fort McHenry this weekend.
They will be using Martin State as home base as they practice Thursday and Friday and for the air show Saturday and Sunday.

The museum will be open extended hours -- 9 AM to 5 PM -- for the airport Open House Saturday and Sunday. Bring the family to see several military aircraft and to talk to the pilots and crews, including the Blue Angels. There will be food and vendors.

Treat Dad on Sunday, it's his day.  And, best of all, it's FREE.

Come early on the weekend, because parking is limited.  Look for the special event parking on Eastern Boulevard.  There will be free shuttles to the show.

Roy Shine laid to rest

Sailors salute the passing coffin of Roy Shine.

Roy Shine, longtime aviation supporter and a driving force behind the museum, was laid to rest at Glen Haven Memorial Park in Glen Burnie Thursday. A Navy veteran, Roy began working at the Martin Company in the late 1930s and retired as a machinist with Martin-Marietta.

"The museum would not have happened without Roy," said Stan Piet, museum archivist and another early backer of the museum.  Roy also was responsible for having the "Tadpole Clipper," a 3/8-scale prototype of a PBM, restored.  It now hangs in the main hall of the Baltimore Museum of Industry. Roy was honored by Governor Schaefer as 1991 Volunteer of the Year for his work.

Roy was thrilled that the museum is contnuing his work on a replica of a Martin MS-1 submarine seaplane. On his last visit to the museum, he eagerly answered questions about the plane and gave some tips on how things  could be put together.

Diamond Lil Departs

Diamond Lil has arrived!

People head to get a closer look at the B-24.

The CAF B-24 bomber Diamond Lil has arrived at Martin State Airport.  It floated down from partyly cloudy skies to a welcome from scores of fans. The plane will be  open for tours 9 AM to 5 PM Wednesday and Thursday.  There will be no rides offered.
The museum will be open extended hours both days

For a look at Diamond Lil's arrival:

Visitors Wednesday get look at nose gun.

http://youtu.be/YQWT6frCF9w

New exhibit opens

Two of the original Rosie the Riveters check out images at the new exhibit, They Answered the Call, which chronicles the story of Martin Company employees in World War II. The women are standing in front of a quilt made by several women workers.  The Rosies who attended the preview on May 7 were thrilled that their contributions to the war effort are recognized after all these years.

The show features many photographs from the Museum archives that have not been on public display before. Artifacts donated for the exhibit range from tool boxes to sports uniforms. The exhibit is open during regular Museum hours and will be evolving as more items becomes available.

Harvey visits the museum

Harvey Hodgin, the Museum's oldest(?) member and one of its biggest supporters, visited on the eve of his 98th birthday.  Harvey gave a big thumbs up to the new exhibit, They Answered the Call, the story of Martin workers in World War II.  Harvey regaled those present with stories of both his life (he got his first plane ride in 1919) and work for Glenn L. Martin.  He fondly recalled his talks with Mr. Martin and the time he spent working on various projects for the company.  He is looking forward the the centennial of the company in August.

A pleasant trip to Dover

Even the clouds and threat of rain couldn't dampen the day as nearly 50 members and guests took the bus ride to the Air Mobility Command Museum at Dover AFB on Saturday, May 5.

Visitors board "Air Force Two"

The volunteers and staff at the museum could not have been nicer as they led the group through the extensive outdoor and indoor displays.

They opened the VC-9C especially for the group. "Air Force Two" transported vice presidents, first ladies, and heads of state during its working life from 1975 until 2011.  People commented that passengers enjoyed first-class accommodations.
Several other planes were also open for inspection, with the sheer size of some craft inspiring admiration.

After a box lunch, the group was led through the indoor displays. People commented on the level of  restoration that the planes received. Especially impressive were the restored B-17G Flying Fortress and C-47A Skytrain.

When the group reached the Berlin Airlift exhibit, it was especially appropriate that Museum member Fred Hall, a veteran of the Airlift, added some of his personal reminiscences. The Museum is fortunate to have members who have a personal story to tell about our historic aircraft.

The Museum is already looking at possibilities for group bus trips.  If you have a suggestion, please let us know. 

We would like to extend thank yous to the Dover volunteers who showed the group around, Just Class Motorcoach for a smooth ride, and Subway Sandwiches in White Marsh for the early morning delivery.

The 123-K Provider, built by Fairchild, gets a closer look.

Book a date with "Fifi"

The Commemorative Air Force will be flying into Martin State Airport May 21 for three days.
Here is your chance to ride on the only B-29 that is gracing the skies. Also due is the group's B-24 bomber and P-51 fighter.

The planes will only make one flight each on May 22 and May 23, so seats are limited.  You can buy your tickets online at http://www.formstack.com/landing/caf-baltimore.

During their layover, the planes will be open for tours: Monday 1 PM to 5 PM, and Tuesday and Wednesday 9 AM to 5 PM.  There is a charge to tour the planes.

The Museum will be open extended hours while the planes are in town.  Stop by to see the new exhibit on Martin Company workers in World War II -- "They Answered the Call."  Or pick up a t-shirt or model plane.

If you would like to volunteer to help during this special visit, call the museum at 410-682-6122 or email us at martinmuseum@gmail.com.

First Open Cockpit Day of the season

Visitors get a close-up look at the Douglas TA-4J.

The weather was perfect and nearly a hundred people of all ages enjoyed the first Open Cockpit Day of 2012 on Saturday at the Strawberry Point flight line.

The public had a chance to experience the first-class travel that passengers enjoyed aboard the Martin 4-0-4 airliner. Most commented on the roominess of the cabin and the legroom not enjoyed in the jet age.

Kids enjoyed sitting in the cockpit of the Douglas TA-4J trainer. Volunteer Richard Steinert went over the controls with the would-be pilots.  The engine had been taken out when the plane was delivered, so no flight plan needed to be filed.  This plane was used in Top Gun school as an "aggressor" aircraft. Rumor has it that the plane appeared in the film "Top Gun," but was not flown by Tom Cruise.

People were surprised by the tight quarters of the Martin RB-57A Canberra that was open to the public for the day.  The younger and more lithe visitors squeezed into the pilot's seat and the cramped navigator's space.  Although originally designed as a bomber, the plane saw more duty in a reconnaissance role.

The next Open Cockpit Day is Saturday, May 12 from 11 AM to 2 PM.  Bring your mom for an early Mother's Day treat.

What the well-dressed volunteer will wear

Richard Steinert wears new docent vest.

Al LaPorte admires Ted Cooper's highly visible flight line vest.

The volunteers who participated in Volunteer Appreciation Day Saturday got a sneak peak of the latest in museum-wear.  Docents will sport navy vests with the museum's logo.

Volunteers on the flight line will now be easier to spot while wearing their optic-green vests.  This should increase their visibility to both the public and pilots at Martin State Airport.

The changes are designed to make it easier for visitors to identify the people who can answer their questions.

Volunteer Appreciation Day

Volunteers enjoy refreshments.

A perfect day at the Strawberry Point flight line ended with refreshments as the Museum thanked its hard-working volunteers Saturday afternoon.

Earlier, they had shown dozens of visitors, young and older, the planes of the flight line.

Bob Dorr talks about Berlin air mission

Bob Dorr displays his latest book at his Museum talk.

Who was Frank Chrastka?  Bob Dorr asked that question as he began his presentation at the April 2 edition of the Museum's Monday Speaker Series.

Bob entertained the audience at the Lockheed Martin auditorium with excerpts from his latest book, "Mission to Berlin," the story of the largest air attack on a German target in World War II.  He got the listeners into the proper frame of mind by emphasizing the harsh conditions that American crews endured flying miles high in sub-zero conditions.  The cold and noise of the B-17s during the hours-long flight only made the Americans' exploits more impressive.

Bob did not dwell on the human toll, both in the air and on the ground, but made it clear that the war exacted a heavy price on both sides.  He also emphasized that it was the skill and ingenuity of the U.S. that made the difference in the outcome of the war.  As for Frank Chrastka, you'll have to read the book or ask Bob about the sergeant's tragic end.

What's on the horizon for the author?  He hinted that, come this Fall, he expects to have a book detailing the firebombing of Tokyo at the end of World War II. The Museum has already extended an invitation so Bob can talk about the air war in the Pacific.

Monday April 2 at 7 PM author Bob Dorr will be here to talk about his latest book, "Mission to Berlin," which follows a B-17 crew as they bomb German targets in 1945.  The talk will be at the Lockheed Martin auditorium, 2323 Eastern Blvd. Middle River.  It's FREE, but you must have a photo ID. Children under 18 must be  accompanied by an adult.

Museum now on Twitter

You can now follow the Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum on Twitter!

twitter.com/MdAirMuseum

We Are Middle River

Ribbon-cutting opens the exhibit.

     On Saturday, March 24, the art exhibit, "We Are Middle River," opened at the Museum. The event marked the beginning of a year-long celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Glenn L. Martin Company. The artwork by fourth grade students at Orems Elementary School, under the direction of teacher Grace Hulse, captured the essence of local communities. Student drawings of futuristic aircraft are also on display.
     Author Vincent Gisriel Jr. signed copies of his book, "Hearts Away, Bombs Away," that chronicles the 1940s through the letters of his parents.
     The Museum's resident troupe, Thirst 'n' Howl, presented a one-hour musical, "Rosie," written by Debbi Wynn. The local chapter of the Rosie the Riveter was in attendance.

Students create new art work at the event.

     The students' art will be on display until May 5. Stay tuned for more events celebrating the Martin Company.

Vincent Gisriel Jr. signs his book.

Museum receives grant from Royal Farms

On Friday, March 23, the Museum was invited to the grand opening of the Royal Farms center on MD 43. As an outreach to the community, the company gave grants to area organizations, including the Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum. The Museum would like to thank our new neighbors for their generosity.

Here is was Essex-MiddleRiver Patch had to say: