Waukegan Air Show of 1932

Here we see the Waukegan (Illinois) Air Show of 1932. Just think, all the airplanes in this picture are brand new! How many aircraft can you identify? Large format negative scan donated by Pat Sparling.

Continue reading

Old Magazines with Michael John, no. 2: “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night…”

By Michael John Jaeger, volunteer docent and historian The role that airmail played in the development of aviation in the United States is highlighted at the Kelch Aviation Museum.  This month I’ll explore how the airmail system looked at the start of 1922, a time the system was still young,

Continue reading

Major Grant from Wagner Foundation Enables Phase III Construction

The Kelch Aviation Museum at Brodhead Airport is proud to announce the start of construction on its Phase III museum building project. Construction of “The Dick and Bobbie Wagner Atrium” is only possible due to a very generous financial commitment by The Wagner Foundation of Lyons, Wisconsin. The Wagner’s connection

Continue reading

Old Magazines with Michael John, no. 1: Make Air Travel More Convenient!

I’m Michael John, a new volunteer docent at the Kelch Aviation Museum – and I’m “hooked” on old magazines, especially old airplane magazines. I thought I’d combine this compulsion with learning more about the Golden of Age of Aviation, and the rapid developments of aircraft uses and design throughout that

Continue reading

Throwback Thursday

It’s Throwback Thursday! Here’s a shot of our namesake Al Kelch, circa 1970, posing in stylish trousers with the 1932 Franklin Sport 90 “Old Double Trouble.” The plane now lives at the Kelch Aviation Museum; Al’s plaid trousers have been lost to time.

Continue reading

SuperAero Live Holiday Extravaganza

Our own Collections Manager makes an appearance tonight on the SuperAero Live Holiday Extravaganza at 8:30 pm central. https://youtu.be/AZzb-hOEcDY

Continue reading

Another First Flight Challenge Update!

We have the best support team! Our $2,000 First Flight challenge grant has been met with 14 hours to spare. Thank you to everyone who donated, pledged, or simply called to encourage!

Continue reading

First Flight Challenge Update

We’re over halfway to our $2,000 First Flight Challenge! https://fb.watch/akamD_jOYP/

Continue reading

First Flight Challenge Grant

First Flight $2,000 Challenge Grant! On December 17th, 1903, the Wright Brothers made their first flight and changed the world forever. Just three days ago on December 14th, our 18-year-old staff member Hannah made her own first solo flight! The museum’s goal is to celebrate history and to share aviation

Continue reading

Hannah Has Wings!

https://fb.watch/aka89tqfMN/ Our Archivist and Event Coordinator, Hannah Shickles, made her first solo flight yesterday on her way to earning her private pilot’s license. She flew a 1945 Aeronca Champ 7AC with certified flight instructor Elroy E Hilbert II. Crosswind at 16kts and gusts to 20kts. Impressive!

Continue reading