Blue Angels arrive at Martin State

  

The Blue Angels team has arrived at Martin State Airport in preparation for this weekend's Star-Spangled Spectacular. The Air Show over Fort McHenry will be Saturday and Sunday.

You can see the Blue Angels and other aircraft at Martin State during the festival Saturday and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. There will be vendors selling food and aviation-related items. Security will be tight, so be sure to check what you can bring and have fun.

Author Jon Guttman visits

Well known aviation writer Jon Guttman was the guest  September 8 at the Museum's monthly Speaker Series. Jon, whose latest book, "Fighter Aircraft Combat Debuts" comes out this month, talked about the increased importance of aircraft in wartime. During World War I, aviation changed from simply being an "eye-in-the sky" to an integral part of strategy.

So long until next year

The Liberty Foundation's Movie Memphis Belle spent the weekend at Martin State Airport and flew dozens of people in the historic B-17.

A crew with a C-130 from the Kentucky Air National Guard got an up-close look when the B-17 taxied within fleet on way to another flight (see video below).

Perfect weather for perfect day

Susan Merryman got a chance to tell visitors about the historic Rearwin Cloudster brought out for Open Cockpit.

Real Rosie the Riveters (Grace, Rena, Loretta and Susan) answered questions.

Betsy, a new volunteer, welcomed visitors as Rosie the Riveter.

Over 200 visitors got a chance to experience Open Cockpit Day on Saturday when the museum opened several aircraft on its Strawberry Point static line. Yougsters of all ages could sit in a nuclear bomber or one of several fighters and trainers, including a Top Gun TA-4J Skyhawk and F-100F Wild Weasel. The most popular aircraft with visitors were the Skyhawk and T-34C Mentor trainer. People also got to see the latest addition to the collection, the UH-1M "Huey" helicopter which elicited knowing glances from several Vietnam-era veterans.

Several Rosie the Riveters also were there to tell tales of World War II and answer questions.

Beautifully restored Plymouth was an added bonus.

Last chance of the season

This Saturday will be the final Open Cockpit day of the season, when children of all ages can get a close look at our aircraft.  A number of Rosie the Riveters are also expected at the museum to talk about their war-time experiences.

Don't miss your chance.  The next opportunity will be in 2015!

A surprise visitor at Flight Line

Come out and see the museum's Huey UH-1M on the flight line.  The museum had arranged several years ago for the helicopter to be displayed at the Vietnam Veterans of America site in Dundalk, but now it has returned. This particular helicopter saw two tours of duty in Vietnam.

The Huey needs repainting, restoration and it's inside cleaned and refreshed. The museum can always use help working on its aircraft.  Donations are also gratefully accepted to help defray the cost of this iconic aircraft.

Get ready for Open Cockpit

Eva and Aaron check out the display of the Ninety-Nines in July under the watchful eye of their father Adrien.

The weather looks good for Saturday's Open Cockpit event, so mark your calendars. This will be the last chance this season to sit in the museum's aircraft, so come on out, because there may be a few surprises. Several Rosie the Riveters will also be on hand to relate their stories about working during World War II.

Over 200 people took advantage of the July Open Cockpit day to visit the Museum and sit in our planes. People had a chance to get an up-close look at several jet fighters and other aircraft.
In the Museum, people met several Rosie the Riveters and Ninety-Nines (the international organization of women pilots), the Heritage Society of Essex and Middle River, and author Vince Gisriel Jr., who signed his book "Hearts Away, Bombs Away."