HAGERSTOWN, MD News (9/10/2024) – Aviation enthusiasts and history lovers alike have a reason to celebrate as the Hagerstown Aviation Museum officially opens its doors to the public during the annual Wings & Wheels Expo. The grand opening event is scheduled for Saturday, September 14th, 2024, at 11:30 AM, coinciding with the popular Expo, which runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
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The much-anticipated grand opening ceremony will begin at 11:30 AM with a ribbon-cutting event, marking the official debut of the museum in its new home—the iconic 1943 Fairchild Aircraft Flight Test Hangar, commonly known as the Dome Hangar. Attendees will also witness the dedication of six newly acquired aircraft, enhancing the museum’s already impressive collection. The Marine Corps League will present the Colors, followed by a rendition of the National Anthem by the New Horizons Band. To commemorate the occasion, guests attending the ceremony will receive a limited-edition postcard.
A highlight of the grand opening is the formal unveiling of six historic aircraft that have been added to the museum’s collection. These include:
- 1933 Fairchild C8A/24
- 1943 Fairchild UC-61A Forwarder
- 1947 Fairchild XNQ-1
- 1959 Fairchild F-27 Friendship
- 1970 Bell UH-1V Huey
- 1993 Fairchild UC-26B Condor
These aircraft, each representing a unique era of aviation history, will be on display for visitors to explore.
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The 2024 Wings & Wheels Expo promises a day of excitement for all ages. In addition to the museum’s extensive aircraft collection, including the Fairchild C-82, C-119 Flying Boxcars, and the C-123K, visitors can experience open-cockpit flights in the Fairchild PT-19. Thrill-seekers can also explore the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation’s Douglas C-54 “Spirit of Freedom” and the only flying Fairchild C-123K “Thunder Pig” from the Air Heritage Museum.
For the younger crowd, EAA Chapter 36 will be offering free Young Eagle airplane rides for children aged 8-17, giving them a chance to experience the magic of flight firsthand.
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Aviation isn’t the only star of the show. The Wings & Wheels Expo will also feature a diverse display of vintage and modern vehicles, including antique and classic cars, trucks, military vehicles, tractors, motorcycles, and even tractor-trailers and cranes. Law enforcement and SWAT vehicles will be on display, allowing attendees to get an up-close look at these powerful machines.
Beyond the exhibits, the Expo offers a day full of live entertainment, with classic car cruise-ins, music, and a variety of food vendors available throughout the day. Families are encouraged to come out and enjoy the event, which celebrates not only Hagerstown’s rich aviation past but also its future as an aviation hub. Museum merchandise, including toys, books, hats, and T-shirts, will be available for purchase.
Admission to the event is by donation, with all proceeds going toward future museum events and the ongoing rehabilitation of the Dome Hangar.
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Event organizers have arranged for ample free parking, with two visitor lots available. Attendees are encouraged to follow event signage to parking locations at 14211 Basore Drive and 18450 Showalter Road.
The Hagerstown Aviation Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and showcasing Hagerstown’s rich aviation heritage. Its new home in the Dome Hangar, a historic 1943 Fairchild Aircraft facility, serves as a testament to the region’s importance in the history of aviation.
Story by multiple RFHC contributors
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