A letter from our President & CEO

Opportunities Await

As the Air Zoo rounds out an exceptional 42nd year, we have reconnected with communities we serve, grown as an organization, and have been planning with excitement for what’s to come!  

This year was full of victories for the Air Zoo. As our doors opened on 2022, we saw strong attendance numbers, increased community engagement, and staff and volunteer investment in our future like never before. Visitors from around the world were eager to experience what the Air Zoo does best: excite, inspire and educate.  

Many visitors were drawn to our unique aerospace experience, which includes more than  100,000 artifacts, immersive exhibits, rides, simulators, and a state-of-the-art theater. Others were drawn to the Air Zoo’s engaging hands-on STEAM programs for families, schools and groups. Still others visited to observe and interact with the Air Zoo’s world-renowned restoration team, preserving and restoring two WWII-era aircraft like only they can. There is truly something for everyone here!  

As the year winds down, please consider a generous, tax-deductible donation - your support makes all we do possible! No matter the size, a gift that is meaningful to you is appreciated as we work to create a more accessible and inspiring experience for our students, guests, and community. Thank you for being part of the Air Zoo’s 42nd year and beyond!         

Ad Astra - To the Stars!

Troy A. Thrash
President & CEO

In 2022 the Air Zoo 

• Launched COMMUNITY ACCESS MEMBERSHIPS, a program that provides membership access and benefits to households receiving SNAP benefits**
• Doubled new (2021) COMMUNITY ACCESS PROGRAMS by extending  exciting hands-on learning opportunities, with the support of local area business partners, to hundreds of families during our Summer STEAM Day events
• Awarded more than $25,000 in scholarships to schools and families, reducing  barriers to immersive STEAM education experiences, through the Air Zoo’s SCIENCE INSPIRATION SCHOLARSHIP FUND
• Welcomed hundreds of community members to work alongside our volunteer-based, and WORLD-RENOWNED RESTORATION TEAM as they logged nearly 14,000 hours on the Dauntless and Wildcat projects.

Where does my support go? 

The Air Zoo strives each day to provide new, ever-changing experiences for learners of all ages. Your gift will support our ability to continue to invest in exciting new learning opportunities for guests of all ages.

Exciting new additions to our exhibits. The Air Zoo’s Annual Fund is used to preserve our collection of aviation artifacts, create and display engaging exhibits within our 200,000 square feet of public spaces, and care for our state-of-the-art facilities.

Improved accessibility. Our new Community Access Program provides children and families with direct financial assistance. Thanks to this new effort, visitors with financial need can access the Air Zoo at little to no cost. 

Amazing new educational programs. Our Education Team continues to expand the Air Zoo’s offerings, including classes, day camps and special events. Our Educators are responsive to our many educational audiences, and keep hands-on learning at the heart of every experience.

History restored. The Restoration Team of staff and volunteers are deeply committed to the intensive work of recovering, restoring, and iconizing historical aircraft. They are dedicated to their work and expanding the impact it has on our visitors.

We hope you share in our excitement! If so, please consider a generous donation today. And visit soon to witness our impact in-person!

PLEASE CONSIDER A GENEROUS DONATION TO THE AIR ZOO

We don’t do this work alone. From its inception, community partners and generous donors have made our impact possible. Today is no different. We invite you be part of the Air Zoo’s impact. Your year-end, tax-deductible gift ensures a strong financial close to 2022, and lays the foundation for greater community impact in 2023.

**Please note: This membership program is fund driven. Our teams are continually working to raise funds for this program. In the event that CAM funds are depleted, families wishing to visit the Air Zoo will be able to take advantage of the Museusm's For All pricing of $2/person age 5+ living in the household.  Names and contact information may be provided to our guest experience team for notification of funds when they are again made available. We appreciate your understanding! Anyone looking to support the program financially can do so here.