During its busiest period, the airport was a major point for cross-country airline stopovers. The beautifully restored Art Deco building has a storied history that continues on through the museum.įrom 1935 to 1954 this site served as the main airport terminal for the city of Wichita. Located in the former Wichita Municipal Airport terminal, the Kansas Aviation Museum is a unique piece of the city’s history that you won’t want to miss. By taking the time to step outside of my own experience, listen and look a little deeper, I developed a greater understanding of Wichita, its people and the African American men and women who helped make the city what it is today.
#KEEPER OF THE PLAIN CLIP ART FULL#
As I explored the church’s sanctuary, full of its own history, it was eye opening to learn how these stories often differ from what is taught in school history books. When I visited the museum’s temporary exhibit showcased the state’s blues history. In 1998, it officially became the home of the Kansas African American Museum. They formed the First National Black Historical Society there in 1973. Ever passionate about the community space they’d created, the congregation was committed to saving this piece of history. But when it relocated in the 1970s, Sedgwick County acquired the building. Still, the church remained a cornerstone of the community. Not only does the 42,000-square-foot facility serve as the hangar for Doc, but it also offers a unique, interactive way for visitors of all ages to learn about Wichita’s aviation history.īy the 1950s many of the church’s parishioners were being displaced to other areas of Wichita through urban renewal efforts.
And when it’s not traveling, this iconic plane still calls Wichita home. Today, Doc tours the country so thousands more people can look inside or even have the opportunity to fly in this historic plane. With the plane’s first return to the skies in July 2016. But it wasn’t until summer of 2016 that Doc was fully restored. In May of 2000, the B-29 finally arrived in Wichita. It had long been Mazzolini’s dream to restore the historic warbird so it could fly again and help future generations experience a piece of history. government, Mazzolini and a team of volunteers took possession of the aircraft and brought it back to Wichita. After 12 years of negotiations with the U.S. In 1987, Tony Mazzolini found this B-29 rotting in California’s Mojave Desert. Today, it’s one of only two remaining air-worthy planes of its kind in the world. This B-29 Superfortress is one of 1,644 manufactured in Wichita during World War II. Whether you’re an aircraft enthusiast or not, a visit to see the B-29 Doc Hangar, Education & Visitors Center should be on your Wichita bucket list. The next time you visit, don’t miss these eight ways to experience the unique history of Wichita, Kansas. But when it comes to Wichita, I can’t encourage you to step outside your comfort zone enough. Maybe historic sites and museums aren’t usually your cup of tea. Really, I shouldn’t have been surprised after experiencing the city’s public art scene or phenomenal culinary creations. From institutions recognizing the contributions of African American and Native American communities to a museum dedicated to two men’s passion for pizza to endless aviation history, Wichita truly has something for everyone.Įverywhere I went, locals were gracious with their time and excited to share their stories. Like so many other cities across the Midwest, the history of Wichita, Kansas does not disappoint.Įvery time I visit Wichita, both the quality and variety of the city’s museums impress me. I love learning about how communities came to be and discovering their quirkier details. When it comes to visiting a new place, I can be a bit of a history nerd.
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