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Air Zoo Blog

Category: Aviation History

Monday, Oct 10, 2022

SBD-1 Restoration Receives Funding

The Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum, doing business as the Air Zoo, is pleased to announce publicly that we have secured a significant funding promise from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (hereinafter referred to as the IMLS), in the amount of $439,180.00. These funds, awarded as part of the IMLS’s 2021 Save America’s Treasures grant portfolio, will be utilized in the restoration of the last known SBD-1 Dauntless dive bomber, by our dedicated restoration staff an... Read More
at Monday, Oct 10, 2022
#teamsbd Aviation History FDC Funding History restoration SBD

Tuesday, Mar 1, 2022

Suit Up for Women's History at the Air Zoo!

At the Air Zoo, celebrating Women’s History Month really *suits* us! That’s why it’s especially rewarding to share the story of superstar aerobatic champion, Patty Wagstaff, and her flight suit. Patty Wagstaff is a three-time U.S. National Aerobatic Champion—the first woman to earn the title. Patty’s flying passion soared when her father, a Japan Airlines captain, welcomed her to take the controls of his DC-6. Patty has represented America in Olympic-level inter... Read More
Posted by Nikki Statler at Tuesday, Mar 1, 2022
Aviation History Patty Wagstaff WASP Women in Air and Space Women's Airforce Service Pilots women's history month

Wednesday, Apr 21, 2021

The Air Zoo launches competition, nationally, to raise $100,000 for completion of the SBD-2P & F-117 Nighthawk restorations in 2021

April 21, 2021 Portage, MI – Excitement is building at the Air Zoo as they announce a competition of mass proportions to complete the restoration of the Douglas SBD-2P Dauntless (Bu. No. 2173) and the F-117 Nighthawk Shaba (tail number 817) in 2021. Anyone who has visited the Air Zoo, or follows them on social media, knows that one of their most inspiring experiences is housed in the Air Zoo’s Flight Discovery Center. Since 2013, the Air Zoo has proudly boasted one of the nation&... Read More
Posted by Nikki Statler at Wednesday, Apr 21, 2021
Air Force Aviation History Desert Storm Aircraft Douglas Dauntless engineering F-117 fundraiser Kalamazoo Lockheed Martin Military Aircraft navy Nighthawk photo-reconnaissance restoration SBD-2P Stealth Plane WWII Aircraft

Monday, Mar 1, 2021

The Wright Sister

When leaving their mark on aviation innovation heritage, the Wright brothers did not act alone. A woman helped make their legacy possible.  In 1909, World magazine called the Wright brothers’ younger sister, Katharine, “the American Girl Whom All Europe is Watching.” Katharine Wright served her brothers as a silent partner. Without asking for notoriety, Katharine assisted with experiments, kept her brothe... Read More
Posted by Nikki Statler at Monday, Mar 1, 2021
Aviation History History Katharine Wright Women in Air and Space Women's History Wright Brothers

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  • Trip Advisor Review Real reviews from Trip Advisor reviewers.

    Great place! Very interesting educational and informational! Great place to take the whole family as there is something for young children up to adults!

    blackeyedsusan2018
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  • Trip Advisor Review Real reviews from Trip Advisor reviewers.

    We took our grown daughters and young grandsons to the Air Zoo. It was very entertaining for all of us. There is so much to see and do. Rides for the whole family!

    Rick C
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