Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum

The Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich aviation heritage of Atlantic Canada. Established by a group of volunteers in 1977, it has grown to become the largest aviation museum east of Ottawa, serving as a key institution for aviation history in the region.

History

The museum's origins began in 1977 when aviation enthusiasts and informed citizens, under the leadership of Robert Grantham, formed the Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum Society with the goal of creating a dedicated space to preserve and highlight the region's aviation legacy. Initially, the museum's collection was limited to shopping center displays and stored artifacts at CFB Shearwater.

By 1985, the museum officially opened its doors to the public, and in 1986 it moved to its current location across the highway from Halifax Stanfield International Airport. The building, previously a Provincial Visitor Information Centre, was converted for museum use. In 1989, the museum was granted "Local Museum" status by the Nova Scotia Museum. Growth continued with the addition of a 14,000 square foot hangar in 1995, and a second hangar was constructed in 1996, allowing most of the collection to be housed indoors except for the F-101 Voodoo displayed adjacent to the highway.

Collection and Exhibits

The museum offers an extensive collection that spans both civilian and military aviation history, emphasizing Atlantic Canada's significant role in the development of aviation. Its exhibits include hundreds of artifacts such as books, badges, uniforms, engines, and a diverse array of aircraft.

Among the notable aircraft are a reproduction of Alexander Graham Bell’s Silver Dart, recognized as the first powered flight in Canada and the British Empire in 1909, and a CF-5 jet fighter. The collection features over 25 complete aircraft and helicopters, including the CF-104 Starfighter.

Mission and Significance

The Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum serves to educate the public about the region's aviation milestones and preserve artifacts that might otherwise have been lost or removed from the area. It plays a crucial role in commemorating the pioneering achievements in aviation linked to Atlantic Canada and provides a tangible connection to the area's historic contributions to aviation.

Location and Recognition

Located near Halifax Stanfield International Airport, the museum is situated on the traditional and unceded lands of the Mi’kmaq people. Its status as a key cultural institution in Nova Scotia was affirmed through provincial recognition and its designation as a Local Museum.

The museum continues to be run by dedicated volunteers and remains an important destination for those interested in the evolution of aviation in Atlantic Canada and beyond[1][2][4][5].

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_Canada_Aviation_Museum [2] https://acamuseum.ca/the-museum/our-history/ [3] https://acamuseum.ca [4] https://novascotia.com/listing/atlantic-canada-aviation-museum/ [5] https://www.eaa.org/eaa/news-and-publications/eaa-news-and-aviation-news/bits-and-pieces-newsletter/03-12-2019-maritimes-leading-role-in-aviation-highlighted-at-acam