EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015: Museum, Monuments and Static Displays

Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo

The Aero Experience continues our year-round coverage of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015, sponsored by Air Associates, with a look at the EAA AirVenture Museum, monuments and memorials, and static aircraft displays on the grounds.  The museum and grounds are worth the visit in and of themselves, and serve as another way of rejoining our continuing coverage of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015.

The EAA AirVenture Museum building and grounds stand out as the more modern portion at Pioneer Airport, with its beautiful pond and easy road access from the main event site.  The museum contains a large collection of aircraft and memorabilia on several levels, enticing visitors into a swirling melee of flying machines from all eras of flight.  The story of each aircraft is told with reference to the designer and pilot to give overall context to each exhibit.  The museum also includes space for events and outdoor displays.  Here are a few highlights from the museum visit:

Outside of the museum, there are several aircraft on permanent static display, including a North American F-86H Sabre, Lockheed P-80C Shooting Star and Douglas DC-3 painted as a wartime C-47.

Other monuments and memorials are found throughout the grounds.  The Warbirds Area features several memorials to those who served in the armed forces and departed members of the Warbirds of America. 

Most prominent on the list of monuments and memorials on the EAA AirVenture grounds is Compass Hill, dedicated in the spirit of passing the legacy and promise of flight to each succeeding generation.  Memorial walls are also nearby, recognizing those who have passed away following a lifetime dedicated to the support of aviation.