Air Zoo Blog
Category: WASP
Wednesday, Sep 7, 2022
New Air Zoo Exhibit: "Daughters of the Sky: The Women Airforce Service Pilots of WWII”.
The Air Zoo is proud to launch a new and exclusive exhibit, “Daughters of the Sky: The Women Airforce Service Pilots of WWII”. The exhibit tells the stories of the bravery, triumphs, and challenges of women pilots committed to serving their country.
Situated in the Air Zoo’s East Wing, the exhibit combines artifacts, images, video, and interactives to tell stories of the WASP. Guests can find the exhibit by following the new Fifinella (the WASP mascot), pathfinding st...
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at Wednesday, Sep 7, 2022
Friday, Aug 26, 2022
Exclusive Exhibit Daughters of the Sky Comes in for a Landing in our East Wing
It is with great pride that we officially announce the opening of a wonderful new and exclusive exhibit meant to honor and raise awareness of the Women Airforce Service Pilots—the WASP. Opening the first week of September 2022, Daughters of the Sky: The Women Airforce Service Pilots of WWII tells the stories of the daring and determined women who answered the call when asked to fill the training, towing, and ferrying roles that would release male pilots to train for combat. Another in...
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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...
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Thursday, Dec 30, 2021
Before They Were WASP, They Were CAP
Did you know that many Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP)—including Air Zoo Co-founder Sue Parish—first served as part of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP)?
Approved by the United States Commerce, Navy, and War departments in 1941, the CAP recruited American civilian pilots eager to use their aviation skills for national defense. Men and women answered the call and volunteered in many ways. They provided surveillance, missing aircraft searches, forest patrols, and much more. Prior to ...
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Wednesday, Apr 28, 2021
Asian American Aviatrix: Hazel Ying Lee
In the early 1930s, when Oregon-born Hazel Ying Lee (1912-1944) dreamed of becoming a pilot, her mother advised her, “It’s not ladylike to fly.” Hazel disagreed. To save money for flying lessons, she worked as a department store elevator operator—one of few jobs opened to Chinese women in America. The Portland Chinese Benevolent Society sponsored Hazel’s flying program and the young pilot took to the sky by age 19.
A proud WASP during WW...
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Wednesday, Aug 7, 2019
Inspiration Starts Young
Submitted by Maria Newhouse
On August 4, 2019 two young aviators flew through the cloud tunnel at the Air Zoo and captured the hearts of staff and guests alike for their vintage pilot and Woman Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) outfits. Hailing from Oklahoma, Emberly (5) and Colton (almost 2) are on a mission this summer to see as many World War II bombers and events as they can within driving distance of their home – bringing their parents along for the ride.
Their summer journey began i...
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Come visit us.
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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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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