Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum

The Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum, currently operating as the Air Zoo, is a U.S. nonprofit aviation museum and indoor amusement park. It was founded in 1977 by Sue Parish, a former Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP), and her husband Pete Parish, a World War II pilot[2].

History

Initially established to preserve military and historical aircraft, the museum grew significantly, becoming one of the largest nongovernmental aviation museums in the U.S. It opened its doors on November 18, 1979. The name was changed to the Air Zoo in 1999, reflecting the numerous aircraft in its collection with animal nicknames, such as the Warhawk, Hellcat, and Bearcat[1][2].

Expansion and Development

From 1999 to 2003, the museum underwent major renovations to transform into an indoor amusement park with flight simulators and rides. The new facility opened in April 2004, featuring attractions like a 4-D theater and a large mural titled "Century of Flight"[1]. Further expansion occurred in 2011 with the addition of a 50,000-square-foot facility, incorporating themes on space and World War II aircraft[1].

Exhibits and Attractions

The Air Zoo showcases more than 50 rare and historic aircraft, including the SR-71B Blackbird and the F-117 Nighthawk, and offers amusement park-style rides, full-motion flight simulators, and interactive exhibits like the 180-degree theater and the RealD 3D/4D Missions Theater[1][4]. It houses the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame and the Guadalcanal Memorial Museum[1].

Mission

The organization aims to preserve the legacy of flight for present and future generations, serving as a research and educational facility[3].

Governance

The museum is governed by a board of directors comprising individuals from diverse backgrounds, including local business leaders and educational institutions[3]. The board ensures transparency and ethics in governance practices[3].

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Zoo [2] https://www.awesomemitten.com/aviation-air-zoo-kalamazoo/ [3] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/38-2144402 [4] https://museu.ms/museum/details/11552 [5] https://www.tracesofwar.com/sights/9994/Kalamazoo-Aviation-History-Museum-National-Guadalcanal-Memorial-Museum.htm