Mask Policy: In accordance with the updated guidance released by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Defense (DoD) and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force will require all visitors to wear face masks indoors effective July 30, 2021 until further notice.
Visitors ages three and up will be required to wear masks while indoors at the museum. This policy applies to all visitors, staff and volunteers regardless of vaccination status. Visitors may wear their own masks or a free paper mask will be provided. Cloth masks will also be available for purchase in the Museum Store. Additional information available here.
If your question relates specifically to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, please see the topics below.
If you have a question that is not addressed here, you may find the answer by visiting the main Air Force website.
Photography, Filming and Lighting
Notice: Visitors may be filmed, photographed or recorded by the U.S. Air Force for educational and promotional uses, including for posting on public websites and social media. Can I download photographs from this website? Information presented on this website is considered public information and may be distributed or copied. Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credits is requested. Many images displayed include a downloadable high-resolution version. To download a high-resolution image, click the "Download Full Image" link beneath the image. A new browser window will open, right click for Windows or hold click for Macintosh systems, then select "save image as" and save to your computer. Can you provide historical photographs for a book/article? We do not have the capacity to reproduce imagery except for official government requests. Visiting researchers may use our copy stand with their own cameras and film or digital recording device. Official U.S. Air Force photography can be obtained from the following locations. Air Force photographs and film pre-1981 are available from the National Archives. Air Force photographs and film post-1981 are available from Defense Imagery. Additional aviation-related photography is available from the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum. Can you provide historical film footage? We do not have the capacity to reproduce imagery except for official government requests. Official U.S. Air Force film footage can be obtained from the following locations: Air Force photographs and film pre-1981 are available from the National Archives. Air Force photographs and film post-1981 are available from Defense Imagery. Can I take photographs or film at the museum? Yes, individuals are permitted to take their own photographs or videos while they are at the museum. Professional photographers or production companies wishing to photograph or film at the museum should first review the Request to Film / Request to Photograph forms.
Can I fly my drone to take pictures at the museum?
As a government facility located on federal property the museum adheres to Wright-Patterson AFB policy on drones. As such, the use of small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) on museum grounds is strictly prohibited. This included drones and model remote control aircraft. Unauthorized sUAS flights are immediately reported to security forces.
Museum events that involve remote control aircraft go through an extensive approval process with Wright-Patterson AFB prior to the event. Do you have any tips for taking photographs at the museum? The museum's theatrical lighting may pose a challenge to some photographers. Here are a few hints that may help: 1) Bring a tripod, if possible. 2) Turn off the flash on your camera, especially if you're taking pictures of artifacts behind Plexiglass. 3) If you are buying a disposable camera, choose one with 800 ASA or higher film. 4) The Early Years, World War II and Cold War Galleries are lit mostly with incandescent lighting. 5) The Korean War and Southeast Asia War Galleries use mercury vapor lighting, so visitors with digital cameras should adjust the white balance for fluorescent lights. Film users may want to try Tungsten film or an 80-b filter.
The lighting seems brighter in the fourth building than the rest of the museum. Why is there such a difference? The museum’s exhibit lighting is made up of three major subsets: theatrical overhead lighting, artifact case lighting and wall lights for illumination of exhibit text panels. Previously the museum relied on lighting fixtures that gave off ultraviolet radiation and were harmful to many of the artifacts. Therefore we began looking for lighting alternatives that would preserve the museum’s collection, adequately light our artifacts and provide energy savings. LED technology was identified as the best solution, and we began using LED lighting in all new exhibits.
The fourth building features 100 percent LED lighting and we plan to convert all of our exhibit lighting to LED technology as funding and manpower allow.
Research Resources
Can I get an answer to a research question by e-mail or phone? All research requests must be written and sent via regular mail to Research Division, National Museum of the United States Air Force, 1100 Spaatz Street, Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433-7102; or e-mail at NationalMuseum.MUA@us.af.mil.
Can I get an answer about an U.S. Air Force aircraft or unit? The Research Division can answer brief questions concerning USAF history and aircraft; however, due to staffing limitations, the staff cannot conduct in-depth research for the public. No phone-in requests are accepted. All requests for information about the museum's history or aircraft must be written and sent via regular mail or email (addresses listed above). This allows staff to efficiently handle a large volume of inquiries. Can I conduct research at your archives?
Due to staff workload and availability, we can accommodate only a limited number of researchers. All requests for research visits must be submitted in advance through regular mail or email. We cannot support same-day requests, nor can we accept research visit requests via telephone.
Research requests and visits must have specific goals and be narrow in scope. The Research Division cannot support generic information requests or visits intended simply to browse our collections. For example, we cannot support such requests as "I want to know what you have on the C-130 aircraft." Each research visit is approved based on its own research merit and our staff’s ability to support it.
Click here for more information about our Research Policy.
Can I order copies of technical information, manuals or reports? Unfortunately, we are not equipped to provide the public with photocopies of archival documents maintained in the museum's collection. For example, we are unable to provide copies of Aircraft Technical Orders, Technical Manuals or Foreign Aircraft Evaluation Data. The only way to access this material is to schedule an appointment to visit the Research Division in person. In most cases, documents maintained by the Research Division are also publicly available through the National Archives, Library of Congress and the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum. Can you provide historical photographs or film footage for a book/article? Please refer to the Photography, Filming and Lighting topic. Do you have service records, unit histories, U.S. Air Force accident reports or Missing Air Crew Reports (MACR)? Military service records are kept at the National Archives. Unit histories are kept at the Air Force Historical Research Center. Air Force accident reports are kept at the USAF Safety Center. MACRs are filed in several locations, including the National Archives and the Air Force Historical Research Center. I'm a scale modeler and I need three view drawings, detailed photographs, paint schemes, etc. Can I get them from the Research Division? Because of the overwhelming demand for this type of information, museum staff cannot support modelers' requests. The growing number of commercial publications containing this information is now filling the needs of most modelers. Detailed construction drawings and technical information is made available by the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum. I'm looking for information about a family member who once served in the Air Force. How can I get a copy of their personnel records? When an individual is separated from military service (because of retirement, discharge from active duty or death), his/her Field Personnel File (containing all military and health records) is forwarded for storage to the National Personnel Records Center. This information is made available to family members as outlined on their website. What other sites have information on aviation history? Air Force History Air Force Historical Foundation Air Force Historical Research Agency Air Force Historical Studies Division Air National Guard History Program Air Force Reserve History Defense Imagery Defense Technical Information Center Library of Congress National Archives & Record Administration National Naval Aviation Museum National Personnel Records Center Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum Wright Brothers Collection at Wright State University
Tell me more about the aircraft markings. The markings for the flights to Hanoi are indeed an important part of the artifact’s provenance. As required by best museum practices and Air Force regulations, however, the C-141C Hanoi Taxi must be accurately marked for its current configuration. Since the aircraft was significantly modified between 1973 and 2006—including a considerably lengthened fuselage and a distinctive aerial refueling receptacle fairing—it would be inaccurate and misleading to paint it exactly as it appeared in 1973. Also, the C-141C flew for four years with the paint scheme currently displayed, which is another part of the aircraft’s history as the last operational C-141 in the Air Force inventory.
As exhibitry is developed in the future, imagery and interpretation about its appearance in 1973 will be included to tell this meaningful part of the Hanoi Taxi’s story.
I have something you might be interested in, does the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force accept donations?
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force always encourages the public to help broaden and enrich the history of the United States Air Force through donated items. The generosity of the public provides many of the items used by the museum to create, sustain and continually enhance its many exhibits and study collection. We review every donation offer individually to see if it meets our collection needs and fits our mission to tell the story of the Air Force.
What kind of items does the museum look for?
We are always on the lookout for new and exciting items related to the rich history of the U.S. Air Force. Common objects of interest include uniform items, flying clothing, equipment, memorabilia, and more. We collect objects broadly related to the history of the USAF, 1947-Present, and U.S. Army Aviation, 1860-1946.The Museum is also interested in acquiring materials such as photographs and documents related to USAF and early Army aviation history. We incorporate these items into our exhibits and educational programs, and make them available to interested scholars and researchers.
Please see our regularly updated donation wish list for specific items we are currently seeking.
How can I contact you about items I wish to donate?
If you have an item(s) you would like to donate to the museum, please email nationalmuseum.donations@us.af.mil or send a letter to:
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Collection Management Division Attn: Donation Offers 1100 Spaatz Street Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433
Please provide any biographical/background information that you have about the item(s) you wish to donate.
Can’t I just mail or drop off a donation to the museum?
No, the museum does not accept unsolicited donations. Due to the volume of offers that occur each day, we cannot accept unsolicited material dropped off at the museum or unsolicited material sent through the mail. Once a donation offer has been accepted by the Collections Committee, you will be given instructions on how to mail/ship the donation to us. Donations can only be dropped off at the museum front desk after written coordination/confirmation with a museum curator or registrar.
Who reviews donation offers?
All donations are reviewed by the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Collections Committee prior to acceptance. Accepted donations are retained either for exhibit at the museum, loan to certified organizations, or preservation in our research/study collection. The Collections Committee consists of the senior curator along with members representing multiple museum divisions. If the committee approves the donation offer, you will be contacted and provided with further instructions. If at some point during the donation process it is determined that the item(s) does not meet the required criteria for the collection, the item(s) may be declined. Our Collections Policy does not allow for the museum to dispose of or forward material to other organizations.
Why is the museum so selective in what it accepts?
While we wish we could accept any and all offers, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force has neither the storage capability nor the staff resources to accept everything. Our collecting is very focused on filling gaps in our collection.
What is the process once I donate something to NMUSAF?
Once a donation is approved by the Collections Committee and received by either the Collection Management or Research Division, you will be notified. The accessioning process, in which the item(s) are catalogued into the collection, will then begin. Once this is completed, usually in about 45 days, you will receive an acknowledgement letter.
Does the museum accept long term loans?
It is against policy to accept personal loans of historical property. Such loans impose a significant administrative burden on the museum as well as other responsibilities and are contrary to best practices as advocated by the American Alliance of Museums. Items offered to the museum are accepted only when donated unconditionally as gifts to the U.S. Air Force without restrictions, free and clear of all encumbrances.
Does the museum accept artwork?
Those considering a donation of art (e.g., paintings, sculptures, and similar large works meant for display) should first contact the United States Air Force Art Collection. The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force does not normally collect these objects.
Will my items be exhibited?
While the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force cannot guarantee that any item(s) will be placed on exhibit, we can promise that donated items will be preserved and cared for as a valued part of the Air Force's national historical collection for future generations. Like most other museums, only a small percentage of our collection (about 8%) is on exhibit. The rest is in secure storage and is used for research, future exhibit needs, and as a historical study collection.
Can the museum do an appraisal of my donation? The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is prohibited from providing monetary appraisals to individuals. However, professional appraisers will perform this service for a fee. You can contact one of these organizations to find appraisers in your area:
American Society of Appraisers International Society of Appraisers Appraisers Association of America
Thank you for your generosity and support of the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Note: No federal endorsement of these organizations is implied.
Can I bring food and drinks to the museum? Bottled water is permitted inside the museum. The museum has outdoor picnic areas available. Food and drink other than bottled water are not permitted inside the museum. Does the museum have a cafeteria? The Air Force Museum Foundation runs a cafeteria on the second floor of the museum, as well as a Refueling Cafe, serving snacks and drinks, on the balcony overlooking the Cold War Gallery. Cafe hours and menus are available on the Foundation's website. Please note that unless prior arrangements have been made, sack lunches are not permitted in the cafe due to its limited seating capacity. To contact the museum's cafe, please call (937) 255-2735. Is there anywhere else to eat lunch near the museum? Besides the two cafes located inside the museum, there are several restaurants within a five-minute drive of the museum grounds.
Foreign visitors (non-U.S. citizens) are not required to show a passport or green card to visit the main museum complex.
Notice: Visitors may be filmed, photographed or recorded by the U.S. Air Force for educational and promotional uses, including for posting on public websites and social media. How much is admission? Admission to the museum and parking are FREE. What hours are the museum open? The museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Some museum exhibits have special hours. The 8th Air Force Control Tower and Nissen Hut, located in the Air Park, are open from noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday from January through March (closed Monday through Thursday) and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily April through December. How long does it take to see everything? It is difficult to say, but we recommend planning for the entire day. What are the security provisions at the museum?
Please note that for security reasons, all visitors may be screened with a metal detector upon entry. In addition, all bags are subject to search and may be placed through an X-Ray machine. Weapons are not permitted including pocket knives.
Prohibited Items:
Can I bring food for my child? Formula and baby food are permitted. All other food must be purchased and consumed in one of the cafés.
I have a medical condition and need to carry water with me, may I have a waiver? Yes, please notify the security staff upon entering the museum and a waiver will be provided. Can I bring my pocket knife on my key chain? No. Weapons, including pocket knives, are not permitted. I am certified for Concealed Carry in the state of Ohio, why am I not permitted to carry my firearm inside the museum? The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is federal property, therefore Firearms and other dangerous weapons are specifically prohibited in accordance with 18 USC §930 (c). Can I store items not permitted inside the museum inside a locker? No, the lockers are within the secured portion of the area.
Please note the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is not responsible for items left in vehicles.
The Memphis Belle will be placed on public display in the museum’s World War II Gallery on May 17, 2018 exactly 75 years after its crew finished their last mission in the war against Nazi Germany on May 17, 1943.
The new exhibit surrounding the Memphis Belle will include interactive displays, rare archival film footage and many personal artifacts which have never been seen before by our visitors. Plans are underway for a three day event (May 17-19, 2018) to include a WWII-era aircraft fly-in, WWII reenactors, WWII vehicles, memorabilia and artifact displays, music from the era, related guest speakers for lectures, book signings and films, including both Memphis Belle films in the Air Force Museum Theatre. Click here for more information about the exhibit opening and events.
Can I see the aircraft while it is being restored?
The Behind the Scenes tours of the Restoration Hangar will temporarily be suspended following the tour on Nov. 3, 2017.
This will allow the Restoration Division to focus their attention on restoring the B-17F Memphis Belle™, and also preserves an element of surprise with regard to the final colors, paint scheme and markings of the aircraft, which will be revealed when the aircraft is unveiled to the public on May 17, 2018.
The museum also offers online updates on the Memphis Belle restoration process on its Restoration Projects page (www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Collections/RestorationProjects.aspx).
How long is the restoration expected to last? When will the Memphis Belle be placed on display?
The aircraft has been moved to the exhibit area in the World War II Gallery where exhibit preparation will begin prior to the public exhibit opening on May 17, 2018.
Who is doing the restoration?
Both professional museum restoration staff and technically qualified volunteers are working on the Memphis Belle’s restoration.
Plans are underway for a three day event (May 17-19, 2018) to include a WWII-era aircraft fly-in, WWII reenactors, WWII vehicles, memorabilia and artifact displays, music from the era, related guest speakers for lectures, book signings and films, including both Memphis Belle films in the Air Force Museum Theatre. The museum will place updates and details as they become available on the museum’s website. Please visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil
What has happened to the B-17G that was on display in the World War II Gallery?
March 14, 2018, the B-17G Shoo Shoo Shoo Baby was moved to the museum's restoration area where it has been placed in storage until it is transferred to the Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum at a date to be determined by the Smithsonian.
The museum has a fact sheet with over 300 photos and many videos available on the museum’s website at www.nationalmuseum.af.mil You can download videos here: www.dvidshub.net
The Memphis Belle™, a B-17F Flying Fortress, is one of the most famous aircraft in history. The Memphis Belle and its crew became timeless symbols of the service and sacrifice of the heavy bomber crews and support personnel who helped defeat Nazi Germany. In May 1943 it became the first U.S. Army Air Forces heavy bomber to return to the United States after completing 25 missions over Europe. At the time, completing 25 missions was an important milestone in a combat tour – it meant that the Airmen could come home.
Upon its return to the United States in June 1943, the Memphis Belle’s crew flew the aircraft across the country on a three-month war bond and morale boosting tour. With the bond tour and the 1944 William Wyler documentary film titled “The Memphis Belle” – depicting actual combat footage – the aircraft and its crew became widely known and celebrated. In 1990 a major motion picture of the same name added to their fame.
Additional information about the Memphis Belle is available on the museum’s website at
www.nationalmuseum.af.mil
How did the Memphis Belle get its name?
The pilot of the Memphis Belle™, then-Lt. Robert Morgan, named the aircraft after his wartime girlfriend, Margaret Polk, of Memphis, Tenn. Morgan chose the artwork from a 1941 George Petty illustration in Esquire magazine.
When did the Memphis Belle arrive at the museum?
The Boeing B-17F Memphis Belle™ arrived at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in October 2005. It has been undergoing a full restoration since that time.
How did the museum obtain the Memphis Belle?
The Memphis Belle™ was located in Memphis, Tenn., from 1946 until 2005. The Memphis Belle Memorial Association Inc., the Memphis Belle War Memorial Foundation and Memphis community were given the opportunity to develop, fund and implement plans for the proper restoration and exhibit of the Belle. However, they were unable to do so, so the aircraft was recalled to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in 2005. As a prominent and famous part of the national collection of the U.S. Air Force, the Memphis Belle deserves a level of care and public visibility befitting its proud history and identity as an icon of American air power.
I’ve seen the Memphis Belle at air shows. Is it the original?
No, the B-17 with “Memphis Belle” markings seen at many air shows is not the original aircraft. It is a later model B-17 which was used in the movie “The Memphis Belle.” The original Memphis Belle is located at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, where it is undergoing restoration.
Will the aircraft be restored to airworthy status?
The Memphis Belle™ will be restored as close to original condition as possible and for static display purposes only due to its historical significance. While most of the aircraft at the museum have the potential to be made airworthy, our conservation and restoration work is directed at preserving the historical integrity and accuracy of an aircraft, rather than achieving modern airworthiness. In preserving historical accuracy, we choose to use original parts that may be unserviceable or non-airworthy, rather than modern substitutes. The Memphis Belle, for example, will use wiring made to original wartime specification, which does not meet today’s flight standards, rather than wiring used in modern aircraft. This is vital to our mission of preserving the record copies of these aircraft for future generations to come.
Where have the parts for the restoration come from?
Parts not already available are being donated and purchased. In addition, our restoration staff has fabricated parts during some of the restoration.
Can you estimate what percentage of the completed Memphis Belle were original to the aircraft or vintage World War II parts?
Approximately 95 percent of the completed restoration will be vintage parts from the World War II era.
Can modelers take detailed photos of aircraft at the museum? Because of the large number of requests we receive from modelers, museum staff cannot support requests for special access. Modelers, as well as other visitors, are welcome to take photographs from outside the railings in the museum galleries. Can scale modelers get three-view drawings, detailed photographs, paint schemes, etc. from the museum? Because of the overwhelming demand for this type of information, museum staff cannot support modelers' requests. The growing number of commercial publications containing this information is now filling the needs of most modelers. Detailed construction drawings and technical information is made available by the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum.
Can I fly my drone at the museum?
Museum events that involve remote control aircraft go through an extensive approval process with Wright-Patterson AFB prior to the event.
Does the museum ever host model airplane events? Every other year over Labor Day weekend, the museum hosts the Giant Scale Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Air Show. The show is sponsored by the Dayton Ohio Giant Scalers and features radio-controlled model aircraft from all eras.
What events are coming up at the museum? Please see the Upcoming section of the website.
Can I have my event at the museum? The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is a federally owned and operated facility. Therefore, by regulation, certain types of events and activities are prohibited at the museum. Some of the types of prohibited events are as follows: - Fundraising and non-profit events - Weddings and wedding receptions - Funerals - Political events - Gambling events - Religious events
More information is available at www.afmuseum.com/events; events@afmuseum.com; or 937-751-1550.
Can I have my military ceremony at the museum?
The museum receives an overwhelming number of requests for military ceremonies (re-enlistments, retirements, promotions, change of commands, etc.) and must limit ceremonies to General Officers, members of the Senior Executive Service, and the HQ AFMC Command Chief. (WPAFB personnel should contact their organization’s protocol office for more information).
Other individuals not listed above may hold a non-support ceremony at the museum. Non-support ceremonies are intended to allow individuals the opportunity to stand near an aircraft or exhibit for the purpose of conducting a small, brief promotion or retirement ceremony. Complex ceremonies requiring reserved parking, chairs, podiums, sound systems, presentation tables, briefing rooms, and/or musical support, do not qualify for non-support status. If you desire a more in-depth military ceremony a fee will be required.
Why was there a need for a fourth building? The climate-controlled fourth building gives the museum dedicated gallery space to present the Air Force’s past, present and future in space and the opportunity to consolidate the presidential and research and development aircraft, which were previously located on the controlled-access portion of Wright-Patterson AFB, to the museum’s main campus. In addition, the Air Force’s airlift and aeromedical evacuation mission will be explained.
How large is the building? The fourth building is 224,000 square feet and is similar in size and shape to the museum’s three other hangars.
What will people see in the new building? There are four galleries in the new building – Presidential, Research and Development, Space and Global Reach, and visitors can see 10 presidential aircraft, a world-class collection of flight test aircraft, exciting space artifacts and huge cargo planes. Visitors can climb aboard the space shuttle exhibit, walk through four presidential and three cargo aircraft, and try out the Air Force Museum Foundation’s new suite of simulator rides. Click here to see photos of the fourth building.
For a complete list of aircraft and exhibits in each gallery, click on the gallery names.
Research and Development Gallery The world’s largest collection of test aircraft under one roof is on display in the R&D Gallery. The centerpiece of the gallery is the world’s only remaining XB-70A Valkyrie. A very popular artifact for visitors, the Mach 3 (2,000+ mph) Valkyrie was a highly-advanced aircraft tested in the 1960s.The R&D Gallery’s diverse collection ranges from World War II up to the present, representing advances in technological problem solving and increasing the museum’s opportunities to teach STEM themes and principles.
Space Gallery The Space Gallery showcases the Space Shuttle Exhibit featuring NASA’s first Crew Compartment Trainer (CCT), which was used to train space shuttle astronauts for their missions. The exhibit allows visitors to experience a full-size representation of a NASA space shuttle payload bay, which displays a Teal Ruby satellite, and look into the flight deck and mid-deck levels of the CCT. The gallery also includes the massive 96-ton Titan IVB space launch vehicle, Mercury, Gemini and Apollo spacecraft, and several experimental aircraft and even balloon gondolas that helped pave the way to space flight. Formerly top-secret satellites and related items will showcase the Air Force’s vast reconnaissance, early warning, communications and other space-based capabilities.
Global Reach Gallery An important element of Air Force history is told in the Global Reach Gallery. Providing airlift remains a major mission of the U.S. Air Force and it forms a critical part of the Air Force’s ability to maintain global reach. Visitors will be able to walk through three of the four aircraft featured in this gallery – the C-141C Hanoi Taxi, which airlifted the first American prisoners of war to freedom from Gia Lam Airport in Hanoi, North Vietnam, in 1973, as well as the C-82 and C-130E. The gallery also includes the C-21, which was used for airlift and aeromedical evacuations.
Presidential Gallery The museum is the repository for Air Force aircraft that have been retired from the presidential aircraft fleet. The Presidential Gallery features 10 historical aircraft representing more than 70 years of dedicated presidential service. Visitors can walk through four of them, including the VC-54C Sacred Cow used by President Roosevelt, the VC-121E Columbine III used by President Eisenhower, the VC-118 The Independence used by President Truman and the VC-137C, also known as Air Force One, Special Air Mission (SAM) 26000, that served eight presidents including Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Clinton. SAM 26000 carried President Kennedy’s body back to Washington, D.C. from Dallas after his assassination on Nov. 22, 1963, and served as the location where President Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as the new president.
What are some of the educational opportunities available in the new building? A great feature in the fourth building is the addition of three dedicated, interactive educational spaces, known as STEM Learning Nodes. These “gallery classrooms” accommodate student-centered, technology-enhanced learning through hands-on programs, demonstrations and lectures. When the museum’s Education Division is not using them for structured programming, the museum will be able to offer a variety of programs to visitors such as science and engineering demonstrations, hands-on activities, special presentations, videos and more.
Besides the aircraft walk-throughs, what other things can visitors do in the fourth building? In addition to walking through the Space Shuttle Exhibit, four presidential and three cargo aircraft, visitors can try out landing a shuttle orbiter in the free Space Shuttle Landing Experience. Also in the fourth building are new simulator rides from the Air Force Museum Foundation. The Pulseworks Virtual Reality Transporter gives visitors a Space Voyage experience where they can see in all directions within a 3D world via high-tech goggles. An Eight Seat Pod, or ESP, motion ride offers an automated experience where the capsule moves up and down and side-to-side to capture the feeling of really flying.
How much did the building cost and how was it funded? The fourth building was privately financed by the Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc., an IRS Section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization chartered to assist the National Museum of the United States Air Force with the development and expansion of facilities. The Foundation gifted $40.8 million for fourth building pre-construction, construction and administration costs as well as additional options and requirements.
Why did the museum decide to move the presidential and R&D aircraft into the fourth building? The decision to move the presidential and R&D aircraft into the fourth building was driven by the desire to display the world’s largest museum collection of U.S. presidential and R&D aircraft together under one roof in the main facility, as these collections are highly regarded by our visitors. This allows all visitors to have the opportunity to see these aircraft and helps the museum to minimize shuttle bus expenditures.
Were all of the aircraft displayed in the hangars on Wright-Patterson AFB moved into the fourth building? Nearly all of the aircraft that were on display in those hangars were relocated to the fourth building. The Piper PA48 Enforcer and De Havilland DH 89 Dominie are currently in storage, the F-100D and Fairchild Model 24-C8F will eventually go on display in the Cold War Gallery, and the Piper J3 will go on display in the World War II Gallery.
Is it possible to see aircraft that remain in storage? Some aircraft located in the restoration facility are available for view during the museum’s Behind the Scenes tours. Aircraft placed in other storage facilities are unavailable to the public.
What will happen to the hangars on Wright-Patterson AFB that housed the Presidential and R&D Galleries? These hangars will be used by the museum for storage.
Are there any items in the new building that were not previously on display? The museum has thousands of items in storage, and only about 7% of the artifacts that are in the collection here on the museum’s main campus are on display. The Titan IVB space launch vehicle is one example of an artifact that was previously in storage and is now on display in the fourth building.
Does the museum still plan to get a C-5 and/or KC-135? In order to make room for the R&D aircraft in the fourth building, acquisition of some global reach aircraft that were originally planned for that building, such as the still active C-5 and KC-135, are being deferred until they can be accommodated.
I’ve heard a little about the retirement of the current Air Force Ones in the news recently. Could the museum get a VC-25 one day? We are definitely interested in acquiring a VC-25 to include with the presidential collection in the fourth building. Right now, there is not a specific date when the VC-25s will become available, but we expect that at some point during the next decade.
With the museum now being even larger, is there a plan to accommodate visitors with mobility problems? Additional electric carts and charging stations have been added, and the museum is developing further options that will assist visitors who have mobility concerns.
Where do I park and how do I get to the fourth building? Visitors will continue to park in the visitor parking lot on the southwest side of the building and enter through the main museum lobby.
Are there any tours or events scheduled during my visit? Six free Guided Tours are offered each day and last approximately one hour and 15 minutes. Advance registration is not necessary. Click here for more information. School, Scout and youth group tours must be arranged through the museum's Education Division. Please visit the Upcoming page for information about upcoming events.
Can I arrange a private guided tour for my group?
The museum is laid out in chronological order, making it easy for visitors to self tour the facility. In addition, the museum offers free guided tours each day. Advance registration is not necessary. Due to the limited number of tour guides and the overwhelming number of requests, the museum is unable to provide private or customized tours. We recommend your group take advantage of the free guided tours or conduct a self tour. How long does it take to see everything? It is difficult to say, but we recommend planning for the entire day.
Why have the Behind the Scenes tours of the Restoration Hangar been discontinued?
In our continuance to seek new and alternative methods of enhancing the visitor experience, the Glimpse Behind the Scenes provides the opportunity to share with all visitors important aspects of the museum's operation while at the same time minimizing costs and eliminating constraints associated with taking public onto an active military base and an industrial shop environment.
The Glimpse Behind the Scenes program broadens the museum's ability to showcase the incredible work done by our restoration staff and volunteers, with no age restrictions or registration required. Visitors are able to engage with program volunteers on elements of the restoration process highlighted through a variety of materials and visuals.
We are excited about this new program, with high participation numbers demonstrating the public's interest in this new offering which takes place every first and third Friday of the month from 1-3 p.m. in the STEM Learning Node in the Space Gallery. Click here for more information about the Glimpse Behind the Scenes program.
The Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority (RTA) offers a program called RTA Connect On-Demand that will provide service to the National Museum of the U.S. Air force. More information is available on the RTA website. Taxi service is available to and from the museum. A list of Dayton area taxi services is available on the Dayton International Airport website.
Where can I find information about current restoration projects? Information about current restoration projects is available on the Restoration Projects page. Can the public view current restoration projects at the museum? The Behind the Scenes tours of the Restoration Hangar has been suspended. In lieu of the Restoration tours, the Education Division is providing a new program titled "A Glimpse Behind the Scenes." This program provides an opportunity to engage with program volunteers on elements of the restoration process highlighted through a variety of materials and visuals. This program will take place every first, third and fifth Friday of the month from 1-3 p.m. and is open to all visitors. Registration is not necessary. Interested visitors can stop by the demonstration tables located in the Space STEM Learning Node anytime between 1-3 p.m.
For information, please contact the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Outdoor Recreation Division at (937) 257-9889 or visit http://www.88thfss.com/outdoorrecreation.html.
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Contact us at:
National Museum of the U. S. Air Force Public Affairs Division 1100 Spaatz Street Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433
(937) 255-3286 nationalmuseum.mup@us.af.mil
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For Air Force Museum Foundation Attractions:
AF Museum Theatre: theatre@afmuseum.com (937) 253-4629
Friends Program: friends@afmuseum.com (937) 258-1225
Museum Store: gifts@afmuseum.com (937) 256-6245
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The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is located at:
1100 Spaatz Street Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433
(near Dayton, Ohio)