Liberty Aviation Museum
3515 E State Road
Port Clinton
Ohio 43452
events@libertyaviationmuseum.org
+1 419-732-0234
Friday – Sunday 10:00 – 16:00
Monday – Thursday Open by appointment only
Admission fee
Gift shop
Aircraft collection
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N587CB/RCAF-407 N4NC/4 NC9645 N9667 NL436GM/95 N345BG/486777 |
Boeing Stearman PT-17 Kaydet
CCF Harvard IV Consolidated PBY-6A Catalina Ford 5-AT-8 Tri-Motor Ford 5-AT-40 Tri-Motor General Motors TBM-3E Avenger North American B-25J Mitchell |
The Liberty Aviation Museum is a working museum, and is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of aviation and military vehicles, with a strong emphasis on World War II. It features an impressive collection of vintage aircraft, military vehicles, and artifacts, many of which are restored to their original condition. The museum also offers a glimpse into aviation and military history, with exhibits that honor the service and sacrifices of veterans.
Key Highlights of the Museum:
- Aircraft Collection:
- B-25 Mitchell Bomber (“Georgie’s Gal”): This fully operational World War II-era medium bomber is one of the museum’s centerpieces. It is a North American B-25 Mitchell, a plane famous for its role in the Doolittle Raid and used extensively throughout the war.
- Ford Trimotor: Liberty Aviation Museum will soon be able to have TWO airworthy examples of the Tin Goose. Currently, the museum sells rides on Ford 5-AT-B NC9645, which historically flew for Transcontinental Air Transport (T-A-T) as the “City of Wichita” and now flies as “City of Wichita/City of Port Clinton”, but the second Trimotor, NC9684 will pay homage to an airline (Island Airlines) that was an inextricable link in Port Clinton but among the nearby Bass Islands in Lake Erie.
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TBF Avenger: A large World War II torpedo bomber, used by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The museum is currently involved in the restoration of one of these iconic aircraft.
- Military Vehicle Collection:
- The museum’s collection includes various restored military vehicles from different eras, such as Jeeps, half-tracks, trucks, and armored vehicles. These vehicles often appear in local reenactments and military vehicle rallies.
- Naval Artifacts:
- Alongside the aviation displays, the museum has an extensive collection of naval artifacts, which includes models, uniforms, and other memorabilia that reflect naval aviation and maritime history.
- Restoration Hangar:
- Visitors can witness ongoing aircraft restorations in the Liberty Aviation Museum’s restoration hangar. This part of the museum highlights the painstaking efforts to bring these historic aircraft back to flying condition.
- Historical Displays:
- The museum also offers a wide range of exhibits focusing on various aspects of aviation and military history, with an emphasis on World War II. These include personal artifacts, uniforms, photos, and memorabilia donated by veterans and their families.
- Art Deco Diner (Tin Goose Diner):
- Attached to the Liberty Aviation Museum is the Tin Goose Diner, a fully restored, authentic 1950s-era diner that adds to the nostalgia of the visit. It serves classic American fare and enhances the historic atmosphere of the museum experience.
- Events and Airshows:
- The Liberty Aviation Museum hosts various events throughout the year, including vintage aircraft flights, special historical talks, and re-enactments. Visitors can sometimes book flights on the B-25 Mitchell or the Ford Trimotor, offering a rare chance to fly in these historic planes.
Overall Experience:
The Liberty Aviation Museum is a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs. It offers a unique blend of aviation history, hands-on restoration projects, and the opportunity to see vintage aircraft in action, all while honoring the contributions of those who served in the military. Its combination of static displays, operational planes, and interactive experiences provides visitors with a deep appreciation for aviation and military heritage.