San Diego
California
San Diego Air And Space Museum
History:
San Diego has one of the richest aviation heritages of any city in the country. Convair, home of such famous aircraft as the B-24 Liberator and the PBY Catalina, was founded here. Ryan Aeronautical, home of Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis, was located here, and North Island Naval Air Station is the home of naval aviation. Much of that knowledge is captured and conveyed through the San Diego Air & Space Museum, a major institution unique to the region and one of the preeminent aviation museums in the nation.
Many local residents, including Preston M. "Sandy" Fleet, son of the founder of Consolidated Aircraft, and Captain Norvel R. Richardson, USN, believed the love affair with flight that began for San Diego in 1910 should be shared with the world. They took their ideas and enthusiasm to a group of prominent San Diego businessmen, including T. Claude Ryan and Joseph Jessop.
The San Diego Aerospace Museum was established on October 12, 1961, when the articles of incorporation submitted by the non-profit Citizen's Committee were approved by the State of California. When the idea was presented to then-Mayor Charles Dail, he recommended the vacant Food and Beverage Building in Balboa Park as an ideal location, and the City Council approved the recommendation.
Recent News
San Diego Air and Space Museum Running Replica of Wright Brothers Engine on Anniversary of Invention of Powered Flight on December 17, 2024
San Diego Air & Space Museum running an exact replica of the Wright Brothers’ historic engine on the 121st Anniversary of the invention of powered flight on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 9:45 a.m. The Museum is honoring the innovation,…
Read More »‘Fly Me To The Moon: An Evening With Legends, Honoring Apollo 11 And Buzz Aldrin’ Set for July 20 at the San Diego Air and Space Museum
“FLY ME TO THE MOON” will be the only in-person celebration in the world of the 55th Anniversary of Mankind’s First Historic Moon Landing! San Diego, CA – “FLY ME TO THE MOON: An Evening with Legends, Honoring…
Read More »The San Diego Air And Space Museum Remembers International Air & Space Hall of Fame Member Dick Rutan
The San Diego Air & Space Museum is remembering decorated Vietnam War combat pilot, aerobatic pilot and aviation record setter Dick Rutan, who earned an honored spot in the prestigious International Air & Space Hall of Fame. San Diego, CA…
Read More »William Shatner, Star Trek’s Captain James T. Kirk, Artemis Astronaut Jessica Meir And Navy Cross Recipient Royce Williams Headline Star-Studded International Air And Space Hall Of Fame Class Of 2023
William Shatner, Star Trek’s Captain James T. Kirk, Jessica Meir, distinguished NASA astronaut, biologist, and a pivotal member of the Artemis program, which intends to land the first woman and next man on the Moon, Royce Williams, US Naval…
Read More »New 'Breaking Barriers' Exhibit Honoring Pioneering Black American Aviators and Astronauts Debuting at the San Diego Air and Space Museum On Friday October 13, 2023
San Diego, CA - An inspirational new “Breaking Barriers” permanent exhibit honoring pioneering Black American aviators and astronauts throughout history is debuting at the San Diego Air & Space Museum on Friday, October 13, the…
Read More »Registration Now Open for Half-Day Summer Camps at the San Diego Air and Space Museum
Registration Now Open for Half-Day Summer Camps at the San Diego Air & Space Museum Students of all ages can explore everything aviation and space during educational, inspirational and FUN activities at the Museum in Balboa Park Registration…
Read More »The San Diego Air And Space Museum - Above And Beyond Special Exhibition And Experiential Journey Opening This Saturday February 4
ABOVE AND BEYOND Special Exhibition and Experiential Journey Opening THIS Saturday February 4 at the San Diego Air & Space Museum ABOVE AND BEYOND celebrates the power of innovation to make dreams take flight and features immersive simulations,…
Read More »San Diego Air And Space Museum Remembers Apollo 7 Astronaut Walt Cunningham
San Diego, CA - January 04, 2023 – The San Diego Air & Space Museum is remembering Walt Cunningham, one of the first men to fly into space during the Apollo program and a member of the prestigious International Air & Space Hall of…
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