$63,050 raised by 42 donors
100% complete
$35,000 Goal
Our 2025 Need: Preserving the Past, One Wing at a Time!
This year, we have two request categories; aircraft restoration and exhibit modernization.
Request One: $20,000 to cover restoration, materials, and maintenance costs.
Request Two: $15,000 for exhibit modernization, programming, hardware, and content management.
This massive Sikorsky CH-53 helicopter was built in 1967. It was rapidly put to work by the Marine Corps in Vietnam moving troops, equipment, civilians, and anything else -- including elephants! Our Sea Stallion was heavily damaged in a rocked propelled attack on Vietnam and was fixed with 251 patches and has since been dubbed "Patches" This must be our most visited aircraft, hosts birthday parties every year and almost every visitor gets a tour through the interior. She has been on display since arriving in Fort Worth in 2013 and is in need of a very deep cleaning. The Texas sun has taken a toll and attention to the exterior is needed. We invite you to be part of restoring this iconic aircraft to its former glory, ensuring its story continues to inspire future generations.
Our other focus aircraft is a very unique flying machine that is as comfortable taking off vertically as horizontally – the Hawker Siddeley AV-8A Harrier (Bureau Number158387) 2021 This aircraft was one of twelve purchased by the US Navy from England in the early 1970s to evaluate for Marine Corps operations. 377 were built by Hawker Siddeley and McDonnell-Douglas. There are three left. This aircraft arrived in 2021 from California. The aircraft, like the helicopter, needs some special care. We need to address some corrosion spots and have a new canopy to install. Some painting will be needed as well. This aircraft will soon be displayed next to one of our newest aircraft, the last model of Harrier AV-8B Harrier II Plus. There is nowhere else you can see both the beginning and the end of the Harrier program in one place, but the Fort Worth Aviation Museum.
CH-53 Sea Stallion
AH-8A Harrier
Scan, See, Soar: Bringing Aviation History to Life with AR!
Integrating augmented reality (AR) into museum exhibits presents an opportunity to enhance visitor engagement, modernize educational experiences, and elevate the institution's appeal in an increasingly digital world.
As we work to refresh museum displays, we will add a few tests of augmented reality (AR). This will create more dynamic visitor experiences and offer new ways to connect with audiences. We have conducted mapping studies of our visitors to analyze where the most time is spent and which topics are of most interest. AR will be implemented in these areas to expand on popular subjects and provide more ways for visitors to personalize their connection with the exhibits using their smart phones or tablets.
One such area for AR development will be in our History of Flight in Fort Worth exhibit. As part of the Pioneers Visit Meacham stories, we will connect visitors with a video and images from our collection of Charles Lindbergh's visit to Meacham Airfield in 1927 with the "Spirit of St. Louis" after his historic New York to Paris flight.
"Giving Wings to Youth and Community Through our Aviation Roots"
Our Vision:
To celebrate and showcase the people and aviation accomplishments of North Texas, in a museum and science center that can preserve and display our heritage, educate our community, and inspire our young people to stay in school and achieve their full potential.
At FWAM, we aim to embark on an ambitious project that will preserve our invaluable collection and transform how it is accessed and appreciated.
How You Can Help:
Our goal for 2025 is to raise $35,000 for aircraft restoration and exhibit modernization.
We invite you to be a part of this transformative project. Your donation will directly fund:
• Conservation efforts to protect and restore our aircraft.
• Sun damage mitigation, cleaning, and maintenance of our CH-53 and AV-8A.
• Canopy installation on the AV-8A Harrier.
• Implement AR interactives throughout the exhibits.
• Content and interpretive management of our AR resources.
With your support, we can take the necessary actions to preserve our collection further. Your support this year could allow us to make improvements that will extend the life of our aircraft, while bringing new stories and experiences to visitors.
Please consider joining this effort to preserve our cultural heritage and expand its reach. Your contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant impact.
Each aircraft in our collection holds a unique tale, contributing to a rich tapestry of human experience. However, preserving these treasures and making them accessible to a global audience requires more than dedication—it demands action.
Together, we can ensure that our museum's collection continues to educate, inspire, and connect people across the globe.
As a history, education, and preservation organization, we present our programs without restrictions regarding race, ethnicity, or gender orientation.
This year, we are asking for the support of a program to inspire at-risk youth in our community toward careers in aviation and aerospace.
In addition, we are asking for support for our aircraft restoration efforts.
Organization name
Fort Worth Aviation Museum
other names
OV-10 Bronco Associaiton, Inc.
Causes
Arts & Humanities
Operating Budget
$100,000 - $249,999
Counties Served
Tarrant
BIPOC Leadership
Neither/None
Address
3300 Ross Avenue PO BOx 161966