Image of the Air Force wings with the museum name underneath

Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week
FREE Admission & Parking

Women's History Month FREE Tours

Women's History Month Guided and Self ToursMarch is Women's History Month, and throughout the month the museum is offering FREE guided tours honoring Women in the Air Force.

These FREE tours will take place every Saturday from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Advanced registration is not required. 

Can't make the tour, or just prefer to tour on your own? You can also download printable Scavenger Hunts or take a digital tour with the Goosechase app. Visit our Educational Resources page for links and information about these on-your-own options by clicking on the image to the left.

Solar Eclipse Speaker Series

Free Solar Eclipse Speaker Series in white letters on top of a graphic solar eclipse image.The Eclipse is right around the corner, and the museum is offering our visitors an opportunity to learn more about this amazing event that we won't get to see again until 2044!

All presentations are FREE and open to the public. Advanced registration is not required.

"The Art and Science of Solar and Lunar Eclipse Photography" presented by engineering consultant, USAF Veteran, and avid amateur astronomer, Dr. Brian Kent.
Wednesday, March 13 from 1:30 - 3 p.m. in the Carney Auditorium

"How NOT to miss the Eclipse" presented by high school educator and Smith Middle School Planetarium director Mr. Scott Oldfield.
Wednesday, March 20 from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. in the Carney Auditorium

"Beneath the Solar Spotlight: Unveiling Solar Activity’s Terrestrial Impact and Celebrating the Splendor of the Sun" presented by presented by Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) graduate student studying solar physics, 2nd Lt. Kara Kniezewski.
Friday, April 5 from 1 - 3 p.m. in the Space Gallery Overlook.

 

Honoring Six-Triple-Eight

Honoring 6888. enjoy a free showing of this powerful documentary honoring the only all-black femail battalion to serve in Europe during WWII. Every Sunday in March at 1 p.m. in the Carney Auditorium. Blue letters on top of a watermark image of the 6888 battalion in uniform.In honor of Women’s History Month, and the addition of Maj. McClendon’s story to the Women in the Air Force Exhibit, museum visitors are encouraged to enjoy a free showing of the documentary, the SixTripleEight.

This free showing will take place every Sunday in March at 1 p.m. in the Museum's Carney Auditorium.
Advanced registration is not required.

In February 1945, the U.S. Army sent 855 black women from the Women's Army Corps "WACs" to England and France to clear the backlog of mail in the European Theater of Operations.

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the SixTripleEight, was the only all-black female battalion to serve in Europe during WWII. Confronted with racism and sexism from their own leadership and troops, they served with honor and distinction completing their mission in six months. By war's end, the SixTripleEight had cleared over 17 million pieces of backlogged mail, ensuring the troops stayed in touch with their loved ones back home.

The last of the women returned home in March 1946. They were never fully recognized until now.

 

dinosaurs in motion: Feb. 17 - May 13

Don’t miss DINOSAURS IN MOTION!

This free and interactive exhibit will engage visitors of all ages with 14 magnificent, fully interactive, recycled life-size metal dinosaur sculptures inspired by actual fossils.

Get inspired to learn, discover and create as you follow a highly interactive path with the opportunity to touch and move these dinosaurs, weaving science, art and innovation themes for a fun and educational experience.

DINOSAURS IN MOTION is FREE and open daily to visitors from Feb. 17 -May 13 and is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.

Learn more and download free educational resources HERE.

Created by Imagine Exhibitions, DINOSAURS IN MOTION is made possible by generous support from Dayton Aerospace through its partnership with the Air Force Museum Foundation.

(Federal Endorsement Not Implied)

Hop on down to the Bunny Trail: March 30

Blue cloud background with green hills in front. A cartoon bunny is leaning in from the right. Hop on down the the Bunny Trail, March 30 from 10 - 3.

Hop on over the museum Saturday, March 30 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. for our annual FREE Bunny Trail!

Search for the giant inflatables throughout the museum to find candy tables (don't forget your basket!). Along the way don't miss the Face Painting, Balloon Twisters, Glitter Tattoos and three pop-up style concerts from the Air Force Band of Flight. 

The Easter Bunny will also be in the building! Catch them while they are out and about to get your picture.

This event is made possible by generous support from the Air Force Museum Foundation (Federal Endorsement Not Implied).

Solar Eclipse Viewing - April 8

Image of a blond boy wearing eclipse glasses and looking up to the right corner where there is a graphic that says Solar Eclipse, April 8, 2024Experience the Total Solar Eclipse with us! 

Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy the wide-open views of the sky as the moon passes directly in front of the sun, creating a total solar eclipse. 

The path of totality for the 2024 Great North American Eclipse, taking place on Monday, April 8, will stretch from Mexico to Canada, passing through 14 states. Dayton will experience 2 minutes and 43 seconds of totality, beginning at 3:09 p.m.  It marks the first time since 1806 that Ohio has witnessed a total solar eclipse.

Visit our Eclipse Page for all the details!

This event is supported by the Simons Foundation and is part of its ‘In the Path of Totality’ initiative.
(Federal Endorsement Not Implied)

21+ After Dark Event - Villains Ball: April 20

Villain's Ball 21+ After Dark Event, April 20. Dark grey graded background with a wreath of black flowers on the front.

Step – or dance – into a world of intrigue and mischief as the Air Force Musuem Foundation transforms the museum into a haven for the wicked and whimsical!

This adult-only (ages 21+) event will include live music and dancing, open aircraft, elusive artifacts, costume contest, trivia, and more diabolically delightful activities. 

Learn more and get ticket information by clicking the image on the left. 

(Federal Endorsement Not Implied) 

Centennial Exhibit open in cold war art gallery

Image of a museum volunteer using a drill to mount a panel on the new centennial exhibit.

The museum has aged well over the last 100 years and this new exhibit celebrating its Centennial gives visitors a glimpse into our history and the people that have made it all possible. 

This new exhibit is located in the Cold War Art Gallery in building 3.

mark your calendar for these exciting events in 2024

Mark your calendar now and stay tuned here and on our Facebook page for upcoming details on these upcoming events!

Rocket Day, Sept. 28

Troops and Treats, Oct. 26

 

Plane Talks

Interact with various subject matter experts stationed in the galleries near the aircraft or exhibit that relates to their expertise. Experts include veterans, active duty, former pilots, crew members, engineers, navigators, and more. Plane Talks programs often occur in conjunction with the anniversary of a significant Air Force or military event. 

All Plane Talks occur from 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Friday, March 29 from 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. in honor of Vietnam War Veterans Day 

Saturday, May 18 in honor of Armed Forces Day

Weds. Sept. 18 in honor of the 77th Birthday of the U.S. Air Force

Saturday, Nov. 9 in honor of Veterans Day

Video-USAF Maj.(Ret.) Lew Newhard- Former SAM 26000 Pilot

Private Event Venue

Interested in hosting a private event or meeting at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force?


Click here to find out about our unique event space