Kansas Aviation Museum

02/21/2025

Grant Gooch has made aviation a long and impactful career. Grant graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He would go on to begin his career with the United States Air Force through the ROTC program in 1991. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He served in the Kansas Air National Guard and was also stationed at Sheppard Air Force base. In his time, he flew 9 operational operations, including support during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Grant has served as a commercial pilot for American Airlines. He is a cousin to Rip and Kerry Gooch and has carved his own legacy in aviation across our country.

02/20/2025

✈️🌟 Spring Break Aviation Discovery Camp is Almost Here! 🌟✈️

Are your kids ready for an unforgettable adventure in aviation? 🚀 This Spring Break, our Aviation Discovery Camp is packed with hands-on activities that will ignite curiosity and bring STEM to life!

🔹 Build and fly a mini drone 🛸
🔹 Tour vintage aircraft and explore aviation history ✈️
🔹 Try out flight simulators and test their piloting skills 🎮
🔹 Experiment with STEM activities that make science fun! 🧪
🔹 Make ice cream using centrifugal force – yes, science can be delicious! 🍦✨

Give your child the ultimate aviation experience at the Kansas Aviation Museum! 🌍💡

📅 Dates: March 17-21
📍 Location: Kansas Aviation Museum
🎟 Spots are filling fast – Register now!

🔗 https://kansasaviationmuseum.org/education/spring-break-camp

The Kansas Aviation Museum is excited to offer STEM Spring Break camp featuring our all new,

02/18/2025

Some exciting changes are coming on the 3rd floor at KAM. Over the next couple of weeks we will be installing and opening the renovated Military Exhibit that will feature some great art, design and facts. Plus we will honor a longtime military supporter. Stay tuned for details!

02/17/2025

In light of the weather coming in, we will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday, February 18-19th, 2025. Please be safe and stay warm! We will see you Friday at 10:00am for Little Aviators!

02/15/2025

Very cool setup by Awen Vera Events for this evening’s wedding. All we are missing is the jazz band!

02/15/2025

Mr. Jeff Bolden, another Topeka native, has made a career as a commercial pilot for American Eagle, Northwest Airlines and now Delta Airlines. As a Captain for Delta Airlines, Mr. Bolden is responsible for flying the B-737.

Mr. Bolden was around aviation from an early age as his father was a part owner in an FBO in Topeka. He met his wife Brenda, who herself was in aviation, who would go on to get her private and instrument license and go on to a successful career as an Air Traffic Controller.

Mr. Bolden dedicates his time to helping kids from underrepresented communities be exposed to what flight can be for them. Through the RedTail Academy, they work in the Kansas City area to impact their community by having a place kids can earn their pilot certificates necessary to meet the goals they set for themselves. Thank you Mr. Jeff Bolden for your work in

02/14/2025

Just stopping in to say how much we love our members!

02/14/2025

How Aviation Camp Can Help Your Child Excel in School ✈️
Curious about how an aviation camp can benefit your child beyond summer fun? Check out this article: How Enrolling Your Child in an Aviation Camp Will Help Your Child with School.
From building STEM skills to improving confidence and problem-solving, aviation camps provide kids with valuable tools that extend far beyond the runway. 🚀
Our Camps are the perfect way to:
✅ Boost science, math, and critical thinking skills
✅ Spark a passion for aviation and technology
✅ Set your child up for success in school – and beyond
📅 Dates: March 17-21| June 9-13| June 23-27|July 7-11| July 14-18| July 22-25
📲 Learn more and sign up here: https://kansasaviationmuseum.org/education/spring-break-camp

02/13/2025

On Tuesday night, we celebrated aviation! Congratulations to our award recipients on the outstanding accomplishments and achievements they have made, and continue to make.

It was incredible to hear from Leanne Caret who gave us the 4 G's of leadership and succeeding.
Grit
Gumption
Grace
Gratitude

Congratulations to Joseph Macko - Student of the Year, Maggie Hatesohl - Educator of the Year, Jack Byrne - Rising Star of the Year, Natalie Mallow - Aviation Employee of the Year, Greater Wichita Partnership & Air Capital of the World - Organization of the Year, and NWI Aerostructures - Company of the year!

02/12/2025

Join us on Thursday for Senior Thursday with Mr. Harold Miler - Wichita’s first black air traffic controller. You don’t want to miss out!

02/12/2025

The Kansas Aviation Museum will be closed on Wednesday, February 12th due to weather. We will see you for Senior Thursday at 10:00am on Thursday, and open for regular hours on Friday, February 14th.

02/12/2025

We need docents! What is a docent? A docent is someone who is trained to know about exhibits, and pass their knowledge on to guests. Interested in joining our team? Contact Jacky Goerzen at [email protected], or fill out an online application at https://www.volgistics.com/appform/2129230948

02/11/2025

Born in Topeka, KS in 1932, Frank Petersen would go on to enlist in the U.S. Navy in 1950. After the death of the first black Navy pilot, Petersen decided that he would put his effort into being a combat pilot himself. He entered the Naval Aviation Cadet Program in 1951. He served a tour of duty in Korea in 1953. As a pilot he would go on to fly over 350 different combat missions and have over 4,000 flight hours.

In 1979, Frank Petersen was promoted to brigadier general, making him the first black General in the United States Marine Corps. He was promoted to major general and retired in 1988 as a lieutenant general. During his time leading up to his retirement, Lt. General Frank Petersen was the Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Quantico, Virginia.

We are grateful for the service of Lt. General Frank Petersen, a Kansan who paved the way for many to follow.

02/11/2025

Join us tomorrow evening for a special night recognizing these incredible individuals and organizations. We are pleased to welcome home Leanne Caret as our keynote speaker. Ticket link is in the comments. You don't want to miss out.

02/08/2025

Jakobe Davidson is making his mark in and . A graduate of Drake University, Jakobe works for Spirit Aerosystems where he works to develop the future workforce pipeline with students in grades K-12 as well as supporting workforce pipeline for veterans.

In addition to that, Jakobe was recently recognized as a Next Gen 30 Under 30 Honoree. Jakobe invests his time in youth in our community, volunteering with organizations such as Rise Up for Youth. Thank you Jakobe for investing in our future.