The New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, Connecticut is a hidden gem for aviation enthusiasts and curious minds alike. Located right next to Bradley International Airport, this museum houses an impressive collection of over 80 aircraft spanning the history of flight. You’ll find everything from early flying machines to modern jets all under one roof.
When you visit the New England Air Museum, you’ll get to explore three large display hangars filled with rare and one-of-a-kind aircraft that tell the story of aviation history. Beyond just looking at planes, you can try hands-on activities, climb into real cockpits, and even experience flight simulation. It’s a perfect destination for families, school groups, or anyone fascinated by the wonder of flight.
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New England Air Museum
The New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, Connecticut offers an unforgettable journey through aviation history. You’ll find an impressive collection of vintage planes and helicopters that showcase the evolution of flight over the decades.
Interactive exhibits make this museum special for visitors of all ages. You can try flight simulators and engage with hands-on educational displays that bring the science and excitement of aviation to life.
The museum houses its treasures in three large hangars, creating a dramatic backdrop for these historic aircraft. You might even consider hosting your next special event here—weddings, birthdays, and conferences take on a unique atmosphere surrounded by these magnificent flying machines.
The museum is currently honoring the life and legacy of Lt. Col. Harry Stewart Jr. (July 4, 1924 – February 2, 2025), celebrating the contributions of this important aviation figure.
Rating: 4.8 (2039 reviews)
Location: 36 Perimeter Rd, Windsor Locks, CT 06096
Contact: (860) 623-3305
Website: Visit Website
Exhibits Overview
The New England Air Museum houses over 100 aircraft in its impressive collection. You’ll find everything from early flying machines to supersonic jets displayed across three large hangars and an outdoor display area.
Historic Aircraft
You’ll be amazed by the diversity of aircraft on display at the museum. Over 65 historic planes are exhibited, spanning the entire history of flight. The collection includes rare treasures that aviation enthusiasts travel miles to see.
The WWII glider pilot exhibit is particularly moving. It honors the brave pilots who undertook some of the most dangerous missions of the war. Their stories will leave you inspired by their courage.
From early flying machines to modern jets, the chronological arrangement helps you understand how aviation evolved over time. You can even climb into some real cockpits and imagine yourself as a pilot!
The exhibits are thoughtfully organized, making it easy for you to follow the fascinating journey of flight through the decades.
Engines and Equipment
Beyond the aircraft themselves, you’ll discover an impressive collection of engines and aviation equipment. These technological marvels show how aerospace engineering has advanced over the years.
The Pratt & Whitney Innovators exhibit tells an inspiring story. You’ll learn how a small group of entrepreneurs and brilliant engineers moved to Connecticut and founded what would become one of the world’s greatest aerospace companies.
This exhibit highlights Connecticut’s important role in aviation history. The state’s contributions to flight technology have been substantial and continue today.
Interactive displays help you understand how these complex machines work. Hands-on activities and demonstrations about the science of flight make these technical concepts accessible and fun.
Educational Programs and Activities
The New England Air Museum offers hands-on learning experiences for visitors of all ages. Their educational programs connect aviation history with STEM concepts through interactive activities and expert-led presentations.
Workshops for Families
You and your family can dive into aviation science with the museum’s engaging workshops! These hands-on activities let kids explore flight principles while having fun. The museum hosts special Homeschool Days featuring themed scavenger hunts, educational tours, demonstrations, and open aircraft experiences – all included in the admission price.
The “Inspiring Future Aviators” program gives high school students behind-the-scenes access to both the museum and the Bombardier Hartford Service Center. This unique opportunity helps young people see potential career paths in aviation.
For younger visitors, interactive exhibits make learning about flight principles exciting. You’ll find activities designed to spark curiosity about how planes fly and the science behind aviation.
Aviation History Presentations
You can step back in time with expert-led presentations that bring aviation history to life! The museum offers interdisciplinary field trips for students from PreK through 12th grade, designed to meet state and national curriculum standards.
These programs encourage critical thinking through inquiry-based instruction, letting students engage with aircraft from every era of flight. From early aviation pioneers to modern military aircraft, presentations cover the complete timeline of flight history.
Special demonstrations showcase how aircraft work and evolve through different time periods. You can watch educational presentations that explain complex aviation concepts in simple terms everyone can understand.
The museum regularly updates its event calendar with new presentations, so check before your visit to catch special aviation history talks!
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