Rosies and WWII veterans honored

Honorees get a standing ovation from an appreciative audience.

The Museum, as part of the Sprit of '45 national campaign, got a chance to once again thank the women and men who helped win World War II. A special program was held at the Lockheed Martin auditorium and over 70 people came out to honor the group. During the program, the words of those who could not join us were mixed with the memories of the Rosies and veterans in the audience.

Open Cockpit enjoyed in September

Visitors enjoyed a sunny day to view the aircraft.

Open Cockpit closed out its regular season as families enjoyed a chance to sit in jet fighters, a bomber or 1950s-era airliner. The airport fire department brought two trucks for the day and people also got a chance to sit in them. As a bonus, the trucks put on a water display.

Tom Jones talks about Flak Bait

Tom Jones took time after his talk to visit with audience members.

Monday's presenter at the Museum's Speaker Series was veteran astronaut and Essex native Tom Jones, who talked about Flak Bait, the most famous B-26 in the war.  Tom joined the Museum's bus tour in the Spring to get a look at the Marauder under restoration at the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center.  He has been back to watch the progress. Tom showed several pictures of Flak Bait under restoration and during its combat years.

Rosies honored

Several original Rosie the Riveters were honored May 16 as the Museum marked Armed Forces Day. Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot was on hand to present a special proclamation honoring the important work of the women during World War II. Students from Notre Dame Prep showed their support dressed as Rosies and the Commemorative Air Force provided its B-24 as a backdrop.

Museum awards scholarship

Jane Michael, Museum board chairman, meets Gabriel Wach.

Board Chair Jane Michael presented the Museum’s third $1,000 scholarship to Gabriel Wach at the Chesapeake High School Awards Ceremony in May.

Gabriel will attend the University of Maryland College Park and plans to become an aerospace engineer.

During high school, Gabriel was active on the Robotics Team, traveling to Kentucky and California to participate in national competitions. He was also active in Boy Scouts, Chess Club and the National Honor Society. He is currently working on his Eagle Scout project, which he hopes to finish by October.

Gabriel is the youngest of five children. His parents Pam and Roman are very proud of his accomplishments.

Gabriel and his family will be attending the Wings over Maryland Hangar Dance and Silent Auction in September as guests of the Museum.

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.

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.