History

The Lone Star Flight Museum Makes its New Home at Ellington Field

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Tony Maples Photography

 

The Lone Star Flight Museum (LSFM) recently made its move from its original home in Galveston, Texas to its new residence at Ellington Airport. With its grand opening on September 2 delayed due to Hurricane Harvey, the $38 million facility made its grand opening the weekend of September 16.

In its new home, the Lone Star Flight Museum has also grown in size as it now offers twice the information as the one located in Galveston. This world-class museum brings this history of aviation to the present as it takes you on a journey to the past while providing technology and informational classes inspiring you into the future.

“Today the Museum displays over 40 historically significant aircraft and over 1500 artifacts that demonstrate the quantum leap in technology – from gliders to space – over the past century,” shares its website.

Soaring to New Heights

Photo: YouTube/StormSpotterMike

Recently, the LSFM took members of the media on a flight from Galveston to Ellington in preparation for its grand opening on September 2.

“The Lone Star Flight Museum, also home to the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame, suffered flood damage when Ike pounded Galveston in September 2008. Authorities later decided to relocate to Houston to be farther from Gulf of Mexico storms,” shared abc13.com in a recent story.

The Hanger Overlooks

Lone Star Flight Museum

Photo: Sonia Ramirez

Probably, the most exciting part of the LSFM is the hanger which houses an impressive collection of vintage aircraft, along with aviation memorabilia and artifacts from years past. You’ll see a Boeing B17 Flying Fortress, a Douglas DC-3, and a Bell TAH-1P Cobra among other unique findings.

The larger-than-life rooms housing this collection of historic aircraft are also surrounded with photos and history of those who bravely fought in wars to protect our country.

There are displays of wooden propellers, engines used in various planes, and history and photos on various bomber aircraft used for each war. There’s also information and photos on the women pilots of World War II. The WASP, as they were known, are highlighted, and their missions shared among the many other stories of the wars.

To explore the various aircraft found at the LSFM and learn more about their history make sure to visit their website.

Aviation Learning Center

Lone Star Flight Museum 2

Photo: Sonia Ramirez

Along with the impressive display of aircraft and artifacts is an impressive array of learning centers and interactive displays for a more hands-on experience.

“The ALC is a simulator-based S.T.E.M. curriculum that will inspire and educate students about principles of flight, aircraft aerodynamics and design, climate science as it affects aviation, air traffic control system, aircraft maintenance, dispatch, and more,” shares its website. There’s also a “MOONEY HANGAR, which replicates a general aviation hangar, and a SIMULATOR BAY when students settle into their own M20 simulators,” shares its website.

There are also films you can sit in on and learn about the history of flight experience and war history.

Texas Aviation Heritage Gallery

Lone Star Museum Aviation Sign

Photo: Sonia Ramirez

An impressive collection of history through the years can be found at the LSFM’s Texas Aviation Heritage Gallery.

As you walk through its doors, you are welcomed into the past of those who lived and experienced and fought for our country. “The Texas Aviation Hall of Fame was established in 1995 to honor famous aviators who are Texans and famous Texans who are aviators. There are currently 71 individual members represented in four categories: Trailblazers & Explorers, Military Aviators, Innovators & Entrepreneurs, and Leaders,” shares its website.

Among those highlighted are The Texas Doolittle Raiders, Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), 111th Aero Reconnaissance Squadron, President George W. Bush, and his father, George H. Bush, and many others.

On Saturday, May 5, 2018, there will be a new batch of inductees announced at the LSFM annual gala.

The Lone Star Flight Museum

Lone Star Flight Museum Pan Shot

Photo: Sonia Ramirez

About the Lone Star Flight Museum:

“The Lone Star Flight Museum is a 501(c)(3) aviation museum and STEM learning center with a mission to preserve, educate and inspire. Led by CEO Lt. Gen. (ret) Douglas H. Owens, LSFM’s new $38 million state of the art facility at Houston’s Ellington Airport will open Labor Day weekend 2017. In addition to the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame, the 130,000 square foot facility will house the Museum’s renowned flying collection of historic aircraft, a $1 million, high-tech Aviation Learning Center and dynamic hands-on exhibits LSFM’s vision is to be a world-class educational museum linking an understanding of the past with inspiration for the future.”

To learn more make sure to visit the LSFM website.