Where History Takes Flight
Located in Geneseo, New York, the Museum offers visitors an up-close, living history experience that connects the past with present-day audiences.
Our Mission, Vision & Purpose
The foundation of everything we do
Mission
The National Warplane Museum honors Veterans for their service and sacrifice, while educating the public about aviation and military history. We are dedicated to the restoration, flight, display, and preservation of historic and military aircraft and artifacts. We keep history flying.
Vision
The National Warplane Museum will be a premiere showcase of historic military aircraft and artifacts. We will operate and display these great warplanes along our mission to commemorate those who served, while educating the public about their sacrifices and teaching the science that makes flight possible.
Purpose
The National Warplane Museum exists to not only keep history alive, but flying and accessible. Our "hands-on" and "no barriers" philosophy ensures that visitors can gain access to the stories of our past. When people feel welcomed, learning is enhanced.
Our Story
A Grassroots Beginning
The Museum's roots trace back to the early 1980s, when a small group of passionate warbird enthusiasts began gathering vintage military aircraft on Geneseo's grass runways. What started as a handful of warbirds in a farm field soon gained national attention, particularly with the renowned B-17 bomber gatherings of the early 1990s.
From these humble beginnings grew one of the country's most unique aviation museums, defined by its all-grass airfield, hands-on access, and strong volunteer community.
A Living Collection
Unlike static museums, the National Warplane Museum actively maintains and operates many of its historic aircraft and vehicles. The crown jewel of the collection, C‑47A Whiskey 7, led the second wave of paratrooper drops on D-Day — a fully restored and operational flying artifact that still participates in flight demonstrations today.
The Museum's collection continues to grow, now including rare warbirds like the Antonov An‑2R Colt, the Douglas B‑23 Dragon, and a fleet of fully restored WWII-era military vehicles.
Honoring Veterans, Inspiring Generations
At its core, the Museum exists to honor veterans — not just through artifact preservation, but through personal connections, storytelling, and education. Veterans regularly participate in events, restoration efforts, and public programs, sharing their experiences firsthand with visitors of all ages.
The Museum also maintains a strong educational mission, offering Living History Days, Hangar Talks, school outreach, youth STEM programs, and signature events like The Greatest Show on Turf — blending aviation history with active public engagement.
Museum History Timeline
A small group of aviation enthusiasts begin gathering vintage military aircraft at Geneseo Airport. Informal fly-ins mark the first grassroots warbird events on the museum's grass airstrip.
The Museum hosts its first major national attention-grabbing events, including historic B-17 bomber gatherings. The airshow began evolving into what would later become The Greatest Show on Turf.
Formal incorporation of the National Warplane Museum as a nonprofit organization. Acquisition of the Soviet-built Antonov An‑2R Colt — one of the Museum's earliest aircraft, still part of the active collection today.
Full-scale restoration begins on C‑47A Whiskey 7, returning the aircraft to flight status after thousands of volunteer hours of meticulous restoration work.
Acquisition of the rare Douglas B‑23 Dragon, adding one of the few surviving examples of this pre-WWII bomber to the collection.
Historic Milestone: Whiskey 7 flies across the Atlantic to participate in the 70th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, returning to its original mission route as a flying memorial.
Continued expansion of collections, education programs, and community events. Development of recurring programs such as Big Band Concerts, Flying Objects Kids Day, and the popular monthly Hangar Talks.
Today: The National Warplane Museum stands as one of the country's premier living history aviation museums — preserving, restoring, and flying historic aircraft while honoring the service of past generations.
Community Driven
The National Warplane Museum is powered by volunteers, supported by donors, and sustained through community involvement. Every restoration project, public event, and flight operation is made possible by a dedicated group of veterans, aviation professionals, historians, educators, and supporters who share a commitment to preserving history for future generations.
What Makes Us Unique
All-Grass Airfield
Our authentic grass runway provides the same takeoff and landing experience that many WWII pilots would have known, adding authenticity to every flight demonstration.
Hands-On Access
Our "no barriers" philosophy means visitors can get closer to these historic aircraft than at most museums, creating personal connections with aviation history.
Flying History
Unlike static displays, many of our aircraft are operational and regularly take to the skies, keeping these magnificent machines alive and demonstrating their capabilities.
Experience Living History
Come discover the stories, meet the volunteers, and witness history in motion. Whether you're planning a visit, looking to volunteer, or want to support our mission, we invite you to become part of our aviation community.