Our fascination with flying dates back to the ancient Greeks, who immortalized this desire in the myth of Icarus and his waxed wings. Dreams became reality in 1903, when the Wright Brothers made their historic flight at Kitty Hawk.

In addition to its commercial applications, aviation is a vital part of our country's defense system in the Air Force branch of the Armed Forces. Get an up-close look at its fascinating history, heritage, and traditions with a visit to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, just minutes from Fairborn homes for sale.

History and Mission

While the Air Force Museum officially opened to the public in 1954, its origins date back to 1923 when the Engineering Division at then-McCook Field began collecting artifacts for preservation. Today the Air Force Museum is the oldest and largest aviation museum in the world as well as one of the more popular tourist attractions in Ohio.

The museum's mission supports that of the Air Force, which is "to fly, fight, and win ... in air, space, and cyberspace." Exhibits, educational outreach, and other special programs are designed to share the history and accomplishments of the Air Force with a global audience.

Exhibits

More than 360 aerospace vehicles and missiles, along with thousands of historical items and memorabilia, are on display at the museum. Most of the collection is organized into a dozen separate galleries featuring specific themes. Some top galleries to see on your visit are:

• The Early Years Gallery shows where it all began. Learn how the Wright Brothers solved the mystery of flight and view the story of Cpl. Edward Ward, the first enlisted airman.
  
  
• The World War II Gallery honors the pivotal role air power played in both the Pacific and European theaters. One exhibit is devoted to the Memphis Belle, the iconic Flying Fortress bomber that came to symbolize the heroic efforts of Air Force crews.
  
  
• The Cold War Gallery depicts the technological advancements paving the way for modern combat techniques. This exhibit includes the only permanent public display of a B-2 stealth bomber.
  
  
• The Space Gallery tells the story of our country's ongoing exploration of the universe. Visitors can walk into a full-size replica of a NASA space shuttle payload bay.

Special Events

As a way to make its mission more engaging and accessible, the museum frequently hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. Mark your calendar for these upcoming dates:

• Plane Talks, an interactive discussion with various aviation experts, will hold its first session of 2020 on Presidents Day, Monday, February 17 at 10:30 a.m.
  
  
• Musical performers such as the USAF Band of Flight appear at free concerts, the first of which is scheduled for Saturday, February 22 at 7:30 p.m.
  
  
• Kids will love watching the Micro Drone Race, in which pilots maneuver their crafts along an obstacle course running through the galleries. Race time is 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 29.
  
  
• The museum has an on-site movie theater screening a Living History series of documentaries as well as a Hollywood series with the best in recent family-friendly films.

Plan Your Visit

The museum is open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. During 2020, the museum will have extended hours until 8 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month. Museum admission is free, although there is a charge for the theater and selected special activities.

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