About Us National Aviation Hall of Fame

Inaugural Inductees Orville & Wilbur Wright

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Why We Do What We Do…

The National Aviation Hall of Fame was founded in 1962 as a non-profit corporation in Dayton, Ohio, the “Birthplace of Aviation.” The five founders were James W. Jacobs, Gregory C. Karas, John A. Lombard, Larry E. O’Neil, and Gerald E. Weller.

1962


Since 1962, the National Aviation Hall of Fame has inducted over 200 of the nation’s premier air and space pioneers. The names are the who’s who in the world of aviation and aerospace including; early pioneers the Wright Brothers, Eugene Bullard, and Bessie Coleman; record makers Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh, and Jackie Cochran; dreamers Kelly Johnson, William Boeing, and Alan and Dale Klapmeier; astronauts John Glenn, Joe Engle, and Eileen Collins; and multi-faceted influencers Jack Daily, Patty Wagstaff, and Joan Sullivan Garrett.

1964


On July 14, 1964 the National Aviation Hall of Fame was Chartered nationally by an act of the U. S. 88th Congress as Public Law 88-372, which was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The organization continues today as a public foundation reporting annually to Congress. The primary support for this foundation comes from private, tax-deductible membership dues and contributions from individuals and organizations.

1996


After a two-year capital fundraising campaign, groundbreaking for the home of the National Aviation Hall of Fame took place on July 19, 1996. The 17,250 sq. ft. aviation education center is co-located with the world-famous National Museum of the United States Air Force. Our Heritage Hall and Education Center includes interactives that combine with the impact of our Enshrinees to explain the full arena of flight from its origins to today.

Mission & Vision Plan a Visit

Our Enshrinees


Since its foundation through an Act of Congress in 1964, the National Aviation Hall of Fame has faithfully fulfilled our mission to honor the tenacity, genius and ingenuity of the people of air and space. We boldly serve as a testament that Americans who excel deserve to be recognized and their stories be documented to be used as guidance and inspiration of future generations.

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HOW TO VOLUNTEER

We are open to the public Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday from 9:00-4:30 and Sunday from 12:00-4:30. Shifts are 9:00-1:00 or 1:00-4:30 as often or little as you choose.

Perks include: Meet people from all around the world, be a part of Ohio’s most exciting free travel attraction, earn a free seat to Enshrinement, discount on merchandise, fellowship, food, quarterly appreciation meal, heaps of FUN!

For more information, please contact
Meagan Geeting:
(937) 256-0944 ext. 16
[email protected]

Volunteer Spotlight

Gretchen Best, Ned Gauder, Ron Goerges, Dona DaCosta Gomez, Alice Griffin, Gene Hausfeld, Mary Klemm, Laura, Martin, Don Perander, Andrew Rich, Bill Stewart, Jayne White

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Plan a Visit


The National Aviation Hall of Fame is co-located with the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Our hours of operation are 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and 12:00 pm to 4:30 pm on Sundays. We are closed on Tuesday and Thursday, all federal holidays and Easter. Admission and parking are free.

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Our Corporate Members

We could not do what we do without the support of Industry Leaders! Learn more about this vital category of membership and find out what you can do to help!

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