Fort Worth Aviation Museum and Archives And Archives Draws Crowds
Jim Hodgson, Chairman & Executive Director, Fort Worth Aviation Museum and Archives, knows what he talks about when it comes to preserving Fort Worth Aviation Heritage.
“One of the true core values is preservation,” he said. “Part of that is restoring aircraft that are significant to local history–the other, preserving local history to our archives.”
Fort Worth locals within about a 50-mile radius make up most visitors, while out-of-towners make up around 12 percent, with 8 percent being international. Planes are the focal point for about 90% of families with children — ages 6-12 are perfect to be enthralled by the approximate 10,000 individual collection archives items. The museum’s four paid employees and 80 volunteers (mostly retired) guide them on their course.
“Over the last three years, in addition to collecting, our archivist has been cataloging the collection, so our archives are in a condition that allows researchers to visit us and do research,” Jim said.
“It also allows us to rotate displays in the museum, so that people can learn about our rich aviation history and aerospace. We strive to educate our local community about the importance of aviation in North Texas and how it transformed the region from a farming/ranch economy into being a world leader in aviation and aerospace.”
“The history of aviation has been built by hundreds of thousands of local residents. Since the 40s, we have produced 70,000 aircraft and contributed over $2 trillion to the local economy.”
Most of the museum’s planes are on loan from the Marines Corps, Air Force, Navy, and General Services Administration. A good example of what you will find at the museum is the F-14 Tomcat, featured in the movie “Top Gun.”
The Grumman F-14 Tomcat was an advanced interceptor and air superiority fighter, resulting from an attempt to develop a Navy version of the U.S. Air Force F-111 for carrier-based operations. Instead, the Navy instigated a successful competition for a new air superiority design aircraft that resulted in the variable sweep wing F-14 Tomcat.
The new aircraft control system made it possible for its crew to track 24 hostile targets at a range of 195 miles at the same time with AIM-54 Phoenix missiles.
“The Don Pyeatt Aviation History Collection,” began in 1998 when museum volunteer Don Pyeatt volunteered to help a group of local aircraft workers preserve and display a vintage B-36 “Peacemaker” bomber aircraft in a Fort Worth museum. Because he had no background in aviation, Pyeatt was assigned to compiling a history of aviation in North Texas to be used for display planning when the new museum was built.
Regrettably, the museum didn’t succeed. But while researching, he collected a lot on local aviation history and local Fort Worth/Tarrant County history. Pyeatt’s research covered many sources, some of which were loaned to him to scan and digitize, others came from websites he searched – still others – personal photos, videos, and scans of his own items. A few full-length (copyrighted) video movies of certain events and/or eras are included. More video movies are public domain due to age, production by, or under contract from governmental agencies.
The Fort Worth Aviation Museum offers everyone an opportunity for a personalized tour, which generally takes an hour to complete.
Guests are encouraged to take photos of the 35 planes, plus the artifacts. Bring a sack lunch and enjoy the picnic area!
Join us for our next Trick or Treat at the Museum event, Oct. 24, 9am-4pm, or sign up online for our monthly newsletter to learn of upcoming events.
Fort Worth Aviation
Museum Address:
3300 Ross Avenue,
Fort Worth, Texas 76106-3646
Phone: 855.733.8627
Hours of Operation:
Wednesday, 9 am-1 pm
Thursday: 9 am-1 pm
Friday: 9 am-1 pm
Saturday: 9 am-4 pm
Sunday: 11 am-3 pm
Door Prices:
Adults – $10; Adults 65+ – $8;
Veterans – $8;
Ages 4- 16 – $5; Ages 3 & Under – Free
Online Prices:
Adults – $9; Adults 65+ – $7;
Veterans – $7; Ages 4- 16 – $4;
Ages 3 & Under – Free
