Last updated: 4/1/2011
Dallas, Texas
Address
6911 Lemmon AveDallas Love FieldDallas, TX 75209
phone: 214-350-1651
fax: 214-351-0101
e-mail: info@flightmuseum.com
web: www.flightmuseum.com/

Hours

Staff

Dan Hamilton
phone: 214-350-3600
Dr. Sharon Spalding
phone: 214-350-3600
Anne-Marie Evans
phone: 214-350-3600
Chris Woodul
phone: 214-350-3665
Mrs. Brenda Magee
phone: 214-350-1651
Description

During your experience, you will bridge several lifetimes starting with the pioneers who realized their earliest dreams of flying; identifying with the aviators of the 20's and 30's, known as the "Golden Age of Flight"; understanding the sacrifices of the fliers of World War II; and progressing to the jet and rocket age of today. By virtue of these chronicles of time, you will also find a new appreciation for the role the Dallas/Fort Worth area (known today as the Aviation Capital of the World) has played in the unfolding global aviation story. At the Frontiers of Flight Museum you will see, hear, and touch some of the rare artifacts that have contributed to this exciting history. On display is a World War I Sopwith "Pup" biplane along with hundreds of models, uniforms, decorations, engines and propellers. You will long remember your "Flight Thru Time".

History

Early in 1963, Dr. Harry Huntt Ransom, Chancellor of the University of Texas system, and Mr. Frank C. Erwin, President of the University of Texas at Austin, endorsed a proposal by George E. Haddaway, Publisher of Flight magazine, to establish the History of Aviation Collection (HAC). This was unanimously approved by the Board of Regents. The first donations were Haddaway's vast personal collection of aviation artifacts and archives. Major General Benjamin D. Foulois, USAF Ret., pilot of the Army's first airplane in 1911, and William Piper, Sr., of the Piper Aircraft family, officiated in the formal dedication in 1965 that opened the Collection to the public. Thus was born the History of Aviation Collection and the forerunner of the Frontiers of Flight Museum.

Gifts of archival, library, and display items were received from scores of Texas aviation notables and others nationwide. In April 1966, Phil Spexarth, aviation insurance executive and model craftsman, donated 187 aircraft models and later increased this to more than 400 examples of his artistry.

It became apparent in 1977 that the HAC was rapidly outgrowing space available at the University of Texas at Austin. The need for larger quarters was accelerated by the offer of the late Vice Admiral Rosendal's two million item lighter-than-air collection and by two other large donated collections that would quadruple the size of the HAC. In April 1978, it was moved to the new McDermott Library at the University of Texas at Dallas. During the 1980s, the collection became nationally prominent and is now second only to the National Air and Space Museum in archival research.

The collection again outgrew available space. In February 1988, supporters of a proposed museum opened discussions with the Director of Aviation, City of Dallas, about the feasibility of locating the museum in the Love Field Terminal, to be called the "Frontiers of Flight Museum." In early 1988, the collections were moved to the Love Field Terminal overlooking the airport in the City of Dallas. Staffing began in March 1989, with the hiring of banker and ex-Navy pilot Olin Lancaster as Executive Director, and a group of volunteers was organized. The Frontiers of Flight Museum at Love Field officially opened to the public on June 20, 1990.

Artifact Collections

Aviation history and technology, aviation biography (worldwide). Patricular specialties include lighter than air, commercial air, WWI & II.

Research Collections

Paper and photographic archival research materials available through the History of Aviation Collection at the University of Texas at Dallas, in nearby Richardson, now numbering over eleven million items. Three-dimensional artifacts available at the museum; photography unrestricted. Musuem's collection now numbers over 12,000 items.

Educational Programs

Scheduled school tours with preceding teacher FAA curriculum and student's tour brochure. The museum is an authorized FAA educational material distribution center; no fees for borrowing educational materials and offers 2 weeks of daylong aviation mini-camps (for elementary aged students). Contact Dr. Sharon Spalding for Mrs. Brends Magee for details. Briefing for teachers on how to use aviation as a teaching skeleton for all subjects available upon request.

Governance

It is a 501(c)(3)

Publications

Quarterly members' newsletter, monthly volunteer newsletter, museum brochure, joint brochure with ten other aviation museums, student's tour brochure. Collection catalogue.

Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc. and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Museum Trustee Association Spring Forum 2024

April 10 - 14, 2024

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Texas Association of Museums 2024 Lubock Annual Conference

April 14 - 17, 2024

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2024 Colorado-Wyoming ANNUAL MEETING

May 1 - 4, 2024

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West Virginia Association of Museums 2024 Conference

June 6 - 8, 2024

Shepherdstown, West Virginia

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