The Port Townsend Aero Museum displays roughly 19 vintage aircraft (dated from the 1920s to the 1940s), all fully restored and in flying condition. Some of the airplanes are rotated in and out of the museum, so it’s never quite the same from visit to visit.
Founded by experienced aircraft restorers Jerry and Peggy Thuotte in 2001, the museum opened a $3.5 million facility in the summer of 2008. The museum also offers a teen-youth on-the-job skills training mentorship.
Our volunteers learn technical skills, management techniques, aviation history, and other related subjects. For those who show capability, dedication, and interest, we also have a flight training program. As any of our volunteers will attest, this is not a “free flight training” program, as a considerable investment of time, energy, and character will be spent by the volunteer before the flight lessons begin.
The museum is located at the Jefferson County International Airport.
You can watch small planes land and takeoff on the runway just behind the museum.
The upper gallery windows let in plenty of light to beautifully showcase the displayed airplanes.
1928 Travel Air 2000 biplane. More than 1,300 of these were sold between 1924-1929, more than any other American manufacturer. Many of them were used as mail carriers, and this one has been restored to reflect that.
1930 Rose Parakeet, designed and produced as a single seat sport biplane. If you look closely at the logo by the exhaust tube, you’ll see why it’s called the Rose Parakeet!
1940 Fairchild M62 PT-19. My father trained in one of these when he was in the Army Air Corps at Brooks Field, Texas during World War II. Nicknamed the “Cradle of Heroes,” it was one of the first steps to becoming a fighter pilot.
The last surving Fairchild 22-C7B (1933) has found a home at the Port Townsend Aero Museum.
The Aero Museum doesn’t just have loving restored vintage planes. There’s a large collection of memorabilia, aviation artwork, model planes, and a library.
One of the many display cases lining the walls of both floors of the museum.
Baggage / aircraft tugs haven’t changed much since this 1932 model, powered by a 1930 Ford Model A engine.
Airplane models — lots and lots of models!
The museum is currently adding an expansion to the museum, and work should be complete in a couple of months.
The Spruce Goose Cafe is on the other side of the museum’s parking lot. Stop in for a bite to eat (pro tip – try a slice of one of their homemade pies) and watch the planes take off and land at the Jefferson County Airport.
Things to keep in mind:
- Open Wednesday – Sunday, 9am – 4pm
- Admission discounts for seniors and military
- Children under 6 are free admission
Links of Interest:
- Port Townsend Aero Museum website
- Spruce Goose Cafe website
Location:
105 Airport Road
Port Townsend, WA 98368