New England Air Museum, Part 2
During my trip to the Windsor area of Connecticut back in August 2025, I visited several historical places including: Connecticut Trolley Museum, East Windsor Historical Society, Northwest Park, Vintage Radio & Communications Museum, Windsor Historical Society, and quick history stops in Windsor, CT. Another stop on that trip was New England Air Museum (NEAM) in Windsor Locks, CT. This museum was extensive enough to warrant a pair of posts. Yesterday in Part 1, I covered the Military Hangar, New England Women in Aviation Exhibit, Kosciuszko Squadron Battle of Britain Exhibit, and some artifacts in the Civil Aviation Hangar. Today in Part 2, I will cover the rest of the airplanes in the Civil Aviation Hangar, the Space & Observation Mezzanine, the B-29 Hangar with the Tuskegee Airmen Exhibit, the Outside Aircraft Display, and tips for your visit.
Inside the Civil Aviation Hanger, the remaining aircraft came in a range of sizes. A DC-3 made by the Douglas Aircraft Company and flown for Eastern Air Lines Silverliner during the 1930s through 1950s was suitable for many passengers. A PT-17 Model 75 “Kaydet” made by Stearman Aircraft Subsidiary of Boeing was made during the 1930s and 1950s but seated only two, as it was used as a training plane. For those who wanted more information about the Excambian, a colorful kiosk near the plane told its history, mapped its interior, and shared its changes in paint scheme over the years. Nearby, a short, looping video described the life of Igor Sikorsky from his birth in Russia, his dream of building aircraft, and the formation of his company.
Straddling the line between military and civilian use was the bright orange HH-52A (S-62A) “Seaguard” helicopter built for the U.S. Coast Guard by Sikorsky Aircraft. The helicopter was opened by a knowledgeable volunteer when we asked about looking inside, a unique offering of this museum. Once finished on the ground floor, I went to the Space & Observation Mezzanine, which held an eclectic range of artifacts. The most advertised objects were the zero-gravity toilet used by astronauts on the International Space Station during the 1990s, and the Silas M. Brooks Balloon Basket used by the Connecticut balloonist during the 1870s. His best-remembered flight began in Hartford, CT and ended in Worcester, MA. The basket is believed by the museum to be the oldest surviving aircraft built in the United States.
Next up was the B-29 Hangar with the Tuskegee Airmen Exhibit. The B-29 A “Superfortress” was built by Boeing in 1945 during World War II. Powered by four engines, the bomber was ninety-nine feet long and could travelling long distances at high altitudes with speeds up to 365 mph. The cabin was pressurized, the first of its kind, meaning the crew of ten men could breathe easily at 30,000 feet above sea level. The B-29 was open during my visit, allowing me to peek into the cabin and learn the history of the plane from yet another highly knowledgeable volunteer. This particular B-29 was named “Jack’s Hack”, this Pilot Jack Volkert was the leader of the crew. The plane is fully restored with a fun cartoon of the crew on the nose. Other samples of nose art from the 58th Bomb Wing included the Missouri “Queen” (their own stylization choice) with the outline of a kicking burro, Man O War with a rearing horse, and Dragon Lady featuring an attractive woman. A map of the Eastern Hemisphere showed the flight routes of the planes.
The Tuskegee Airmen exhibit opened in 2023 to show a different side of the World War II pilot experience. Also known as the Red Tail Angels or simply Red Tails, African American pilots flew fighter escort planes to protect bomber planes flown by European American crews. The military was segregated into “colored” and white troops, and women from men, even though all received the same training. Women joined the WAVES or Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service run by Navy, where some became WASPs or Women Airforce Service Pilots.
The final stop was the Outdoor Aircraft Display. With a temperature over 90 degrees and sunny, I went through this section fairly quickly. The Kaman K-16B was a 1959 prototype aircraft developed by the Navy recently restored by the volunteers. It was intended as an experiment in vertical takeoff and landing, but the plane never took a free flight. Another military plane was the Dassault HU-25A Guardian used by the U.S. Coast Guard at their Aviation Training Center (ATC) in Mobile, AL. The plane was used during the 1980s and most resembled the Dassault Falcon 20 business jet.
If you are a fan of aircraft but want to avoid the business of bigger venues like the Smithsonian’s Air & Space Museum in Washington, D.C., this is an ideal stop. Tickets are $23 for adults, $18 for seniors over 65, $13 for youth ages 4 to 14, $12 for veterans, and $0 for children 3 and under plus NEMA members (like me!). The floor of the museum is fully accessible to those with limited mobility or using a wheelchair, but climbing into the aircraft is only possible with steps at this time. Lighting in the Civilian Aircraft Hangar is dim, but this is not an issue in other Hangars. A few more spots to sit would have been appreciated. This is a good place for families with older children who are not prone to becoming overwhelmed by the many, many aircraft.
Abby Epplett’s Rating System
Experience: 8/10
Accessibility: 7/10