On June 14, 1974, during the Annual Convention, the first exhibit of the Museum was dedicated to Louis Thaden, a poineer aviatrix, and a member of the Staggerwing Club, who was instrumental in the idea of preserving all the memorabilia of the Staggerwing era.

In 1936, Louise and Blanche Noyes flew a C17R Staggerwing, c/n77, to victory in the Bendix Trophy Race, a cross-country dash from New York to Los Angeles, with a total time of 14 hourse, 55 minutes, and 1 second.

The Thaden Building is a 100-year old log cabin which was moved to the site and reassembled. The Thaden Collection is displayed here, and consists of papers, photographs, awards and trophies, memorabilia and pesonal articles of Louise Thaden. It serves as a tribute to her many accomplishments in Travel Air and Staggerwing airplanes.

The office of the original Louise Thaden Building now houses the William C. Yarbrough Memorial, which was dedicated on October 24, 2001.

Other Exhibits