Planes, Principles, & Positivity: Remembering Pete Parish

Get to know our co-founder, Preston “Pete” Parish

Follow Pete’s entrance into the U.S. Marines with his college best friend, Pete Richards. Learn more about Pete’s military career, including his service at Guadalcanal and Peleliu during World War II. See the model of the ship that claimed Pete’s best friend’s life, sand from Peleliu, and an array of personal military artifacts from Pete’s collection. Flip through a LIFE magazine that features Pete Parish in an illustrated story of Peleliu.
Learn more about Pete’s postwar life, his career with Upjohn, dreams of flight, and the co-founding of the Air Zoo. Through a fun interactive that the whole family can enjoy, find out how many hours Pete spent in some of his favorite Air Zoo aircraft. We’ve highlighted the historic Grumman Cat Flight in this section and included more from Pete’s personal collection, such as his flight jacket and official pilot’s wings. Watch as Pete Parish takes you on a flight in his Corsair. 

Pete’s contributions and philanthropy—on display in the lobby of the building where the Air Zoo began—are highlighted through an array of honors he received throughout his life. You’ll see beautifully hand-lettered resolutions. Explore the many plaques and awards that illustrate his dedication to education, business, and aviation. Be sure to cast your vote for the value that means the most to you in our Pete’s Principles interactive! 

Planes, Principles, & Positivity: Remembering Pete Parish is on permanent display now. Come see the first two sections in our Flight Innovation Center and the third section in the Flight Discovery Center.