Wurtsmith Air Museum

Introduction

The Wurtsmith Air Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of Wurtsmith Air Force Base and aviation in northeastern Michigan. Located at Oscoda–Wurtsmith Airport in Oscoda, Michigan, it operates as an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) entity.

History

The museum was established following the closure of Wurtsmith Air Force Base in 1993. Initially, it was part of the Yankee Air Force as the Wurtsmith Division, formed on December 8, 1993. By July 2012, it had separated from the Yankee Air Force and became the independent Wurtsmith Air Museum. The museum officially opened in 1997, utilizing three hangars at the former base.

Exhibits and Collection

The museum showcases a variety of exhibits, including those focused on women in aviation, General Paul Wurtsmith, the 920th Air Refueling Squadron, and historical aircraft such as the Army Air Service. Its collection includes several notable aircraft:

• Baker Special
• Cessna L-19A Bird Dog
• Jeffair Barracuda
• Lockheed T-33A (dual models)
• Osprey Osprey II
• Piper L-4 Grasshopper
• Rand KR-2
• Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5 (3/4 scale replica)
• Sperry Messenger (1/2 scale replica)
• Waco CG-4

Recent additions to the museum include the navigator's seat from a B-52, acquired in 2020, and three new exhibits opened in 2023.

Operations and Events

The museum is open seasonally from mid-May to mid-October, operating on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 am to 3 pm. Admission fees apply, with discounts available for certain groups and free entry for active military personnel with a valid ID.

The museum also hosts events, such as fly-ins and aircraft rides, including a notable event featuring the C-47 aircraft "Hairless Joe," which offers visitors a historic flight experience reminiscent of World War II operations.

Mission

The Wurtsmith Air Museum aims to preserve the stories of the men and women who served at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, sharing the history of aviation in northeastern Michigan with future generations. It strives to provide an engaging and educational experience for visitors interested in military and aviation history.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wurtsmith_Air_Museum [2] https://wurtsmithairmuseum.net/our-history/ [3] https://vintageaviationnews.com/warbirds-news/take-a-ride-on-hairless-joe-at-wurtsmith-air-museum.html [4] https://postcardhistory.net/2022/06/oscoda-michigan-and-tales-of-wurtsmith-air-force-base/ [5] https://www.michigan.org/property/wurtsmith-air-museum