National Museum of USAF

History of the Air Force Museum

The National Museum of the US Air Force is the world's largest military aviation museum, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio.  Its roots originate in 1923 with the research conducted at Dayton’s McCook Field that was gathered in a small hangar at the field.  Eventually, the collection moved to Wright Field and became known as the Air Force Museum.  As with all good things in Dayton, the Kettering Family saw the need for a permanent structure and formed the Air Force Museum Foundation.  In 1960, the museum was relocated to its current location at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and a new facility was constructed and dedicated by President Nixon in 1971.  Today, the museum is part of the National Aviation Heritage Area and holds countless artifacts such as the Memphis Belle, Bockscar, nearly every famous fighter, bomber, transport, and many spacecraft related to Airmen.  With over 360 aircraft and spacecraft on display, the museum tells the story of aviation from the Wright brothers to the present day.

National Museum of the US Air Force

The National Museum of the US Air Force has a host of features:

  • Early Years Gallery:  This gallery tells the story of early aviation, from the Wright brothers to the end of World War I.
  • World War II Gallery:  This gallery chronicles the air war in Europe and the Pacific during World War II.
  • Cold War Gallery:  This gallery tells the story of the Cold War and the air power that played a vital role in it.
  • Space Gallery:  This gallery tells the story of space exploration, from the early days of the space race to the present day.
  • Presidential Aircraft Gallery:  This gallery features aircraft that have been used by US presidents, including SAM 26000, the Air Force One that brought back President Kennedy from Dallas Texas.
  • Memorial Park:  Today, the park holds over 500 memorials dedicated to military units in the form of memorials, plaques, trees, and benches.  The first memorial was dedicated in Oct 1972 in the name of Vietnam POWs. 

National Museum of the US Air Force Fine Art Photography

These fine art photography art prints of the museum grounds and collections allow aviation historians and Dayton Corporate clients to celebrate Dayton’s aviation heritage.  If you are seeking fine art photography for your wall décor that celebrates living in Dayton Ohio, this is one of many galleries that may help you.  If you are seeking more sites that celebrate Dayton Aviation’s History, check out these sites: