Indiana might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about aviation history, but the state has a long and fascinating history in the field. From early aviation pioneers to cutting-edge aerospace technology, Indiana has played an important role in the development of flight.
If you’re interested in exploring the state’s aviation history, there are several museums and sites worth visiting. Here are just a few of the highlights.
Aviation History Museum of Indiana
Located in Greenfield, the Aviation History Museum of Indiana offers a comprehensive look into Indiana’s aviation past. The museum’s exhibits cover everything from early gliders to modern military aircraft, with a particular focus on the aviation pioneers who contributed to the industry’s development in Indiana.
One of the museum’s standout exhibits is the "Made in Indiana" display, which highlights the role Indiana-based companies played in aviation manufacturing. Visitors can also see vintage aviation engines, artifacts, and archival materials.
Grissom Air Museum
Named for astronaut Virgil "Gus" Grissom, the Grissom Air Museum is located on the site of the former Grissom Air Force Base. The museum has an extensive collection of aircraft, including several vintage military planes and helicopters.
Visitors can walk through the historic aircraft and learn about the roles they played in military campaigns and the Cold War. The museum also has exhibits on Grissom’s life, as well as an impressive collection of military artifacts.
Purdue University Aviation History Collection
Purdue University has a collection of aviation artifacts that rivals any museum’s, with more than 20,000 items ranging from flight suits to an airplane wing. The collection includes archives of notable aviation pioneers, such as Amelia Earhart, who taught at Purdue’s flight school before she vanished during a flight over the Pacific Ocean.
Visitors can also view early flight simulators, flight instruments, and aircraft models. The collection is housed in the university’s Archives and Special Collections, which is open to the public.
Hoosier Air Museum
Located in Auburn, the Hoosier Air Museum boasts a large collection of vintage aircraft, including several that flew during World War II. Visitors can see planes such as the P-51 Mustang, the B-25J Mitchell, and the TBM Avenger up close.
The museum also has exhibits on aviation pioneers and their contributions to flight development. If you’re interested in the restoration process, the museum’s workshop offers a glimpse into the methods used to preserve and repair vintage planes.
Conclusion
Indiana’s aviation history might not be as well-known as that of other states, but it’s well worth exploring. From the early days of flight to modern aerospace technology, Indiana has contributed to the industry’s development in many ways. The state’s museums and sites offer a unique perspective on this fascinating history.