Saturday, May 23, 2015

Members get special treatment

Martin Mauler Triple Wasp engine sits in cradle ready for restoration.
Members took advantage of special day Saturday to get personal tours of the museum. Besides the regular Museum, members got behind-the-scene looks at the archives and the restoration center in Lockheed Martin's C Building. People were impressed with the Museum's holdings that are never open to the public, especially the historic engines undergoing restoration.

The top it off, visitors got a chance to leisurely look at the aircraft and sit in several planes on a beautiful spring afternoon at Strawberry Point.


Friday, May 15, 2015

The P-51 was buzzing all weekend


The Commemorative Air Force's AirPower History Tour has left Martin State Airport after a fun-filled four days. Also on hand this weekend were the B-29 "Fifi," B-24 "Diamond Lil" and the C-45 "Bucket of Bolts."

Hundreds of people took the opportunity to see some of the last World War II aircraft still flying. A large number even bought rides to close out their "bucket lists" of activities.

The Museum welcomed many first-time visitors and hosted a Rosie the Riveter special event on Saturday to thank the working women for all they did to help win the war.  Comptroller Peter Franchot presented a special proclamation to the Rosies for their historic work. The Martin Company was the first to hire women to work on the production floor and the first woman hired, Alice Whitmer Podolsky, was there.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

The CAF has arrived


The Commemorative Air Force has started to fly in some of its World War II aircraft that are here for the weekend. The C-45, B-24 "Diamond Lil" and the B-29 "Fifi" are here and the P-51 is expected Friday morning.

The museum will be open 10 AM to 5 PM. The Strawberry Point flight line is closed for this event. See the items below for more details on the weekend events.

Saturday, May 9, 2015

Sorry, we missed you

Visitors board the bus to head back to the museum.
What began with iffy weather, turned into a glorious spring day at the Museum's Open Cockpit event on Saturday. People enjoyed their tour of the museum and a chance to sit in the aircraft at Strawberry Point. This month saw the added attraction of a UH-1M Huey helicopter, a veteran of the Vietnam War. Visitors also got a chance to meet some of the people who worked at the Martin Company in World War II.

See you for next month's Open Cockpit on June 13, weather permitting!

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Rosie the Riveter celebration

Join us May 16 as the Museum honors the women who kept America working during World War II. Visitors can hear stories about the era and be there for a noon ceremony honoring Rosies and veterans in attendance.

At 2:30 PM you can join in as we try to set a world record for the largest gathering of people dressed as a Rosie the Riveter.
All you need do is adhere to the dress requirements:

  • A red bandana with large white polka dots
  • Red knee socks
  • A dark blue, long-sleeve cotton work shirt (but not denim)
  • Dark blue cotton or denim pants 
  • Black work-style boots.

See the poster at right for inspiration.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

CAF is coming to Martin State


The commemorative Air Force is returning to Martin State Airport May 14. Several World War II-aircraft will be on display and available for rides and tours. The Museum will extend its hours during the event. To book a ride

The schedule for the CAF is:
  • Thursday, May 14: aircraft arrive after noon and the plan is to be open for tours 2 PM to 5 PM
  • Friday, May 15: aircraft will be open for tours 9 AM to 5 PM. Supporting aircraft (P-51, C-45 and Hell Diver) available to fly all day. 
  • Saturday, May 16: aircraft open for tours 9 AM to 5 PM. B-29 flies 9 AM and 10:30 AM; B-24 flies 4 PM. Other aircraft available all day.
  • Sunday, May 17: aircraft open for tours 9 AM to 5 PM. Fifi flies at 9 AM; B-24 flies at 4 PM. Other aircraft available all day.
The Museum will be open 10 AM to 5 PM Friday, Saturday and Sunday.



A look at history

Docent Bill Haugen explains the special tiles on the shuttle. A busload of aviation enthusiasts enjoyed the day November 8 at the Smiths...