Since we opened the new Museum pavilion and air park in February 2007, over 250,000 visitors have come to view our unique collection of 40 military and civilian aircraft, the 15 restored engines on display, use the educational programs, and enjoy the Coast Guard art collection. Visitors see aircraft from a fully restored 1932 Curtiss-Wright "speed wing" biplane to an A-10 Warthog and engines including models from pre-World War I, the first jet engine, and a J-58 jet engine that powered the SR-71 Blackbird to 3 times the speed of sound. Our Aerospace Learning Center allows visitors to fly non-motion flight simulators or ride in a motion ride simulator.
In addition to housing of the McClellan Air Force Base history, the Foundation is focused on expanding its educational programs. The museum will depict the military presence in the Greater Sacramento area, history of local flying clubs, and the impact of aerospace companies such as Aerojet that represent the spectrum of aviation and aerospace activities that have grown and flourished locally.
The Museum has been twice recognized by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics for sponsoring their continuing education teacher workshops. If we act on our vision, the educational programs and teacher workshops can open the door for young people to the limitless adventures and career opportunities that are available in aerospace, aviation and other technical fields.
Crew Chief's assembled before opening their aircraft at the recent Open Cockpit Day
Our Volunteers:
The Museum has over 150 volunteers, many of whom work almost full time. Our volunteers logged over 30,696 volunteer hours in 2007. Our volunteers work in the exhibit hall, reception, gift shop, air park and education center. Our volunteers are docents, educators, researchers, and aircraft/engine restorers. Our volunteers work with the public and behind the scenes. Many of our volunteers have extensive knowledge about aircraft and some don’t but - what they have in common - is a desire to volunteer.
We could not have the Museum without our volunteers – join us…
Education Program:
The Museum has a strong and growing education program that is based on providing hands-on, practical educational experiences related to math and science subjects for students from elementary to community college. The main focus is for middle and high school grades, but there are programs for all levels.
We have partnerships with the California Aerospace Academy Charter School and with Sacramento City College to provide a location for the Applied Technology program classes. We work closely with all the regional school districts.
The Aerospace Learning Center has hosted over 4,500 students and gives them an appreciation for how math and science can be used in aviation. We allow the students to fly a no-motion flight simulator as part of the class.
The Museum also offers Teacher Workshops with NASA instructors, Summer Camps and Classes and special presentations such as Astronaut Clay Anderson’s presentation What I Did on Your Summer Vacation sharing his experiences as an astronaut and his time at the International Space Station from June – November of 2007.
The Museum was able to win the Da Vinci Experience venue over cities in the Bay area and other northern California locations because of the educational vision of the Board, the new aerospace pavilion, and the location in the State capitol.
