Aviation History - August 12, 1946 - Truman Establishes the Smithsonian Air Museum

2015-08-19T07:52:30-04:00

The National Air Museum
On August 12, 1946, President Harry Truman signed a bill establishing the Smithsonian's National Air Museum to memorialize the development of aviation; collect, preserve, and display aeronautical equipment; and provide educational material for the study of aviation. The legislation didn't provide for the construction of a new building; however, and the collection soon outgrew the Museum's exhibition space. Since there was no room left in the Arts and Industries Building or the "Tin Shed," WWII aircraft and other items such as engines and missiles were stored at an abandoned aircraft factory in Park Ridge, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. The U.S. Navy had a similar collection in storage for the Smithsonian at Norfolk, Va.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Aug 19 at 2015 7:54 AM

2015-08-19T07:54:48-04:00

Thanks for sharing!

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 19 at 2015 7:55 AM

2015-08-19T07:55:20-04:00

I love this museum!

Response by PO3 Jed Dunkin made Jul 28 at 2018 8:48 AM

2018-07-28T08:48:12-04:00

August 12 my birthday thanks Truman.