TOPEKA (KSNT) – The Combat Air Museum is celebrating 50 years of preserving military aviation history this weekend.
From historic aircraft to detailed exhibits and artifacts, the museum offers visitors a closer look at the stories behind aviation and the people who served. Museum leaders said education has remained at the core of its mission since the beginning.
“The mission of the museum is really one of education for the general public… to preserve and collect artifacts from military history and to educate the public and especially young people,” said David Murray, the museum’s chief financial officer.
Over the years, the museum has also become a place where generations return to experience history together.
“It’s rewarding to have people come in here bringing their grandkids… saying ‘when I was their age, I was coming out here to air shows and visiting the museum,’” said the museum Director Kevin Drewelow.
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Visitors can walk through hangars, explore exhibits up close and learn about aviation history in a more hands-on way than many traditional museums.
“We feel that we haven’t roped off too many of our exhibits, so a lot of our visitors really appreciate being able to get up close,” Murray said.
As the museum marks this milestone, leaders say they’re focused on continuing to grow and share aviation history with future generations. The museum’s 50th anniversary celebration will include free admission and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend.
The 50th anniversary celebration will run from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 25. You can find the museum at 7016 SE Forbes Ave. south of Topeka.
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