United States Airforce Museum | Photo by Kayli Thompson | The Wright State Guardian
Thousands of military and aviation enthusiasts from across the country head to Dayton each year to visit the National Museum of the United States Airforce.
Wright State University (WSU) is located in close proximity to the Dayton campus. This makes it an excellent choice for WSU students looking for an educational (and free) experience.
Their Mission
According to the museum’s official website, its mission is to collect, research, conserve, interpret and present the Air Force’s history and heritage. This mission is accomplished through engaging exhibits, educational outreach, unique programs, and stewardship of the collections.
“We are the keepers of their stories,” according to the website.
The museum focuses on enriching the community through historical and educational awareness. It provides free events and facilities that are available to the public in order for the American people to have access to their history.
The Air Force Museum Foundation
In addition to the museum itself, there is an Air Force Museum Store, Air Force Attractions and Air Force Museum Theatre. These features are run by the Air Force Museum Foundation. This is a 501c3 that is separate from the museum and solely dedicated to raising funds and awareness to support the museum.
As Director of Marketing and Communication for the Air Force Museum Foundation, Chuck Edmonson plays an integral role in raising awareness and funds for the museum. Passionate about the museum, Edmonson highlighted some of the fun activities WSU students can do at the site to support the foundation and museum.
Astronaut Ice Cream (freeze dried real ice cream), books, t-shirts, and toys are some of the most popular items according to Edmonson. Store sales are important to the foundation and shopping can play a powerful role in the museum’s functions.
“Funds generated by the Air Force Museum Store, along with the other foundation operations I mentioned above, are provided directly to the museum for special projects and underwriting activities geared toward education, volunteer support, special events and promotional efforts. Any purchases made in the museum go to the museum,” Edmonson said.
There is a program called Friends of the National Museum of the US Air Force in which supporters donate $50/year and receive access to the “Friends Journal” which is an award-winning publication highlighting Air Force stories and adventure. Friends donors also receive discounts in the Museum Store, Theatre, and Cafe.
To become a Friends donor or to inquire about other means of donating, please click here
Summer 2021 Events
As a part of the Public Affairs Division for the National Museum of the US Air Force, Danielle Almeter also plays an integral role in the museum. There are over 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles, thousands of artifacts and more than 19 acres of indoor exhibits for visitors to enjoy.
Almeter confirmed that the museum is a National Aviation Heritage Area.
According to their official website, The National Aviation Heritage Alliance is an organization that seeks to conserve, interpret, develop, and promote the historic resources of the locations within the National Aviation Heritage Area. Almeter explains that the museum is constantly working with other organizations to coordinate events.
“We often work with the Greene County Convention & Visitors Bureau, as well as the Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau. The museum also serves as the location for many military reunion groups,” Almeter said.
Information on the military reunions can be found here >>
Additionally, Almeter explained that the following events are available for free and that WSU students are invited to join:
Operation: Dinosaur is Saturday, June 12, 2021 from 4-8 p.m.
Space Celebration is July 22 – August 7, 2021
Information about both events can be found at here >>
