YEARS OF THE NATION
YEARS OF COLLEGE PARK AIRPORT
250 117
Aviation is one of the many achievements that has reshaped the nation since 1776. More than a technological breakthrough, aviation provided a new field for Americans to shape the nation, connect people, and pursue personal fulfillment. In commemoration of the nationʼs 250th, explore how people have found opportunities at College Park Airport to participate in the American experiment for the last 117 years and counting.
Though aviation provided a new space for American identity to develop, it existed in a reality that included segregation, sexism, and prejudice. As a place shaped by the people it hosted, College Park Airport was both a site of exclusion and opportunity in different eras of history. Today, the airport and museum strive to welcome all.
NEW OUTLETS FOR THE AMERICAN EXPERIMENT
Serving Country and Community
Service cultivates community and camaraderie, ideals of the American Spirit of 1776. Acts of service, from military to public service, strengthen the community and the individual. Aviation has expanded the ways in which Americans can serve their community, as you can see in the long history of College Park Airport.
Bringing the Country Together
Aviation made the United States of America become a little more united by improving connections. From visiting new parts of the country to sending help to those in need, College Park Airport has helped to make the nation a more connected place.
Innovation and Experimentation
Aviation provided a new outlet for the American tradition of innovation and experimentation. While large companies and the military have private test facilities, College Park Airport has offered a more accessible space for inventors and engineers to achieve success.
NEW PERSONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Community at the Airfield
While commercial airports serve the important function of transporting people and goods in bulk, general aviation airports such as College Park Airport offer the public more personal access to the skies. Whether by serving local pilots, hosting flying clubs or aviation festivals— and sometimes offering a local aviation museum— general aviation airports can offer more meaningful interactions with aviation than commercial airports.
Air Sports
As soon as people started flying, they started flying for sport. Since the 1910's, pilots and spectators have flocked to College Park eager to push themselves, have fun, or to see incredible feats.
Flying for You and Me
Americans continue turning toward aviation to live the life they want. While the number of airline pilots has only grown by 8% over the past ten years, the number of private and student pilots has grown by 137%! For over 117 years, College Park Airport has been a gateway for everyday Americans to reach the skies.
More visitor information
Plan your visit
Events calendar
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm
Closed Mondays and holidays
Join us for special events or monthly programs at the museum.
Tours and Groups
The museum offers guided tours for schools and groups of 10 or more.