Welcome
Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum
Learn more about the rich history of the oldest military post in the United States and home of the Plattsburgh Air Force Base
About the museum
Learn more about the home of Strategic Air Command ('54-92') and Air Mobility Command (92'-95'). We are thankful for the support of our volunteers and sponsor, the Battle of Plattsburgh Association.
The idea for the museum was conceived in 1982 and was housed in a 79-year-old building on base originally used as the carpenter and blacksmith shop.
On June 7 2014, the Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum, now part of the Battle of Plattsburgh Association, reopened its doors to honor the memory of the forty year presence of the U.S. Air Force in the North Country.
Museum dedication
On Saturday, 1 October 1983, members of the 380th Bomb Group of World War II traveled to Plattsburgh AFB for their second reunion. For many, it was the first time in more than 40 years that they've seen each other. This weekend was a time for reminiscing, for viewing photographs and swapping war stories. It's a friendly group, filled with bright smiles and hearty handshakes. Some of the people traveled through Friday's ceremonies with their former crew members. About 420 people were participating in the weekend activities commemorating the second reunion of the group. 350 people were expected to attend the weekend. The first reunion was held in 1982 in Dayton, Ohio. emerging talents from around the world.
The Clyde A. Lewis Park
The park is located behind the museum on the old base. Both aircraft were on display on the other side of Route 9 when the base was still active. If you visit the area, don't forget to take a look at the planes and visit the museum
Featured exhibit; The trainer
We invite all flight enthusiasts to experience the "Cardboard Trainer".
Nearly identical to the cockpit of the FB-111As, except all the switches, dials, knobs and controls were replicas of the real thing. It helped students and instructors practice just where all those switches, dials, knobs and controls were.
Sure, the dials didn’t work, the radar scopes didn’t show anything, there wasn’t an oxygen system. BUT we learned where to put our hands, feet, and fingers to make the airplane work for us as we practiced the normal and emergency procedures which would keep us alive. Sit inside the "Cardboard Trainer" during your next visit to Plattsburgh AFB Museum.
Take a look inside the museum and the various displays
Discover Plattsburgh AFB and the 380th BW
Learn more about the rich history of the oldest military post in the United States and home of the Plattsburgh Air Force Base from 1954 to 1995. A very detailed history written by one of our volunteers.
The Plattsburgh Aircraft Restoration Group
Our Mission
Dedicated to the restoration of former Plattsburgh Air Force Base B-47 and FB-111A display aircraft. This group is formed of volunteers with the goal to keep and preserve these aircraft. Both aircraft were in service at Plattsburgh AFB with the 380th.
The mini FB at the Plattsburgh AFB Museum
In the Fall of 2018, the mini-FB was adopted by the Plattsburgh AFB Museum located on the old base. The plane was in need of some work! Work on the engine had been underway by Tony Burnetta before Col. Joe McNichols (Ret) received a phone call from Col. Chris McWilliams (Ret). A team of volunteers from Plattsburgh refurbished the engine, did a ton of fiberglass work, paint touch up, added a landing gear/speed brake door, fixed brakes & steering, and even more. After a few weeks of work, the mini-FB was declared operational and 'flyable'. Since then, the plane has been shown during various fund raisers and participated in many parades. To preserve the mini-FB from the elements, it is kept inside a shelter at the airport.
Contact Us
Plattsburgh AFB Museum
31 Washington Rd Plattsburgh NY 12903
Open seasonally May to October.
Wednesday to Saturday, 10:00 to 15:00
Closed major holidays
Admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated
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