our aviation history revealed

Wichita has been known as the “Air Capital” for decades now. But if you don’t fly a plane or work in the aircraft industry, much of what you know about aviation in Wichita comes from news stories about layoffs and government contracts.  But there’s so much more to this story.

The Kansas Aviation Museum, George Washington Boulevard at 31st St South tells the story of the birth of aviation in Wichita with passion and pride. But so many Wichitans have never passed through the gates of this aviation monument, and they’ve missed a truly great experience unique to Wichita.

You won’t be able to use money as an excuse not to visit the museum later this month, during a FREE public open house. You caught the word FREE, didn’t you?  Read this press release, and show up to see why Wichita is known as the Air Capital!

Kansas Aviation Museum to Hold Open House

On Thursday, January 22 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the Kansas Aviation Museum will hold an open house to showcase our newly renovated lobby, Open Archive Area (formerly the Engine Room) and he newly completed Lattner Foundation Education & Archive Center.  In addition, the open house will unveil for the first time a new exhibit that features a detailed map of Wichita with all aviation manufacturing companies identified (beginning with the early days of aviation to the present) along with photographs of their buildings and more detailed information regarding the most prominent of these companies.  This exhibit will also include information sheets intended to be taken by guests and used to conduct a self-guided driving tour of early Wichita aviation companies like Stearman, Swallow, Swift and the like.

There is no charge for the event, it is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend.  Appetizers will be available (hosted by Larkspur) and each attendee will get one drink ticket for the wine and beverage bar.

The Kansas Aviation Museum is dedicated to the preservation of Kansas Aviation History.  The collection includes early Stearmans and Swallows both complete and under restoration, experimental planes conceived and constructed by Kansans, a KC135, a B-47 under restoration, a children’s activity center and much, much more.  The museum is open to the public Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For further information about this event, contact Lon Smith at 316-683-9242 or by email at lonsmith@kansasaviationmuseum.org.

I’ve been a supporter of the Kansas Aviation Museum for years now, but just became an offical member last year. I don’t know if you’ll appreciate it as much as I do now, but for free admission, what do you have to lose? Go check it out on January 22nd for FREE!