About Us

AIR MUSEUM STORY

The Empire State Aerosciences Museum (ESAM) was established in 1984 as a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, chartered by the NY State Department of Education. The museum occupies 9 buildings and 27 acres of land on the western perimeter of the Schenectady County Airport, opposite from the Stratton Air National Guard base. It is an ideal environment to tell the story of aviation. The mission of the Empire State Aerosciences Museum is: “TO EDUCATE, ENTERTAIN AND EXCITE WITH EXPERIENCES IN AIR AND SPACE.” The value of our Aerosciences Museum to the Capital Region is that it: Stimulates interest in aviation, particularly of NYS, for residents & visitors of all ages; Provides a repository for historical artifacts, documents & aircraft; Assists schools through exposing students to aviation technology and career opportunities; and Provides space for meetings for aviation advocates and other groups.

FACILITY

The Empire State Aerosciences Museum reveals the history of flight and New York State’s impact on the development of aviation. The museum is located on the Schenectady County Airport, one of the earliest consolidated airports in the country, where Charles Lindbergh landed in 1927. During the 1930’s, it was an aircraft manufacturing site and became a military training base during World War II. Aircraft research and development conducted here was so important that the first jet airmail started from this site in 1946. With the establishment of the General Electric Flight Test Facility and the Malta Rocket Test Station toward the end of WWII, it became known as “The Little Peenemunde of the US” because of its rocket and jet research and development. The museum site and buildings are part of this heritage.

EXHIBITS

Outside, the Museum has an extensive collection of aircraft, including:

- F-14A Tomcat

- A-6E Intruder

- A-4F Skyhawk II

- F-4D Phantom II

- F-101F Voodoo

- F-105G Wild Weasel

- UH-1 helicopter

- Russian MiG-17F

- MiG-21

-A-10 Warthog

- A-7E Corsair II

- F-84F Thunderstreak

- T-2 Buckeye

- RA-5C Vigilante

- F-5E Tiger

- S-2 Tracker

- Folland Gnat

- OH-6 Cayuse

The main galleries contain some of the more fragile aircraft, detailed models, dioramas, historical artifacts and memorabilia, and photographic displays. A sampling of the exhibits are the recently completed lunar landing and arctic exploration exhibits; the DePischoff "flying motorcycle"; the Amelia Earhart Exhibit, and a 32' scale model of the Japanese aircraft carrier "Akagi." The Museum also contains some hands-on exhibits including a mock-up of a 1910 Von Pomer airplane, electronic "spotter" aircraft identification, and a Simulated Reality Vehicle (SRV), which treats occupants to a video and “ride” that makes them feel as if they are part of the action. The Restoration Center houses aircraft in various stages of restoration. In addition, the museum boasts the most extensive aviation library in the state, with a wealth of publications, aviation art, and aviation records.

PROGRAMS

Learning and discovery are encouraged with programs for all ages. Programs include rocket-building for children, aviation history classes, and guest speakers, just to name a few. The Museum is chartered as an educational faucilty and received the “Partners in Education” award from the NY State Council for the Social Studies. Off-site programs are offered to supplement school science programs and as after-school enrichment. Aviation Adventure programs are held during school vacation weeks and in the summer. Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Young Eagles® program (a first flight experience) is offered in conjunction with EAA Chapter 852. ESAM sponsors AIM High a program for inner-city and at-risk youth, which provides special activities. Birthday Celebrations offer activities in rocketry, gliders, and airplane construction.

VOLUNTEERISM

Volunteers, a vital asset of the museum, are almost solely responsible for education, restoration of aircraft, exhibit repair, mailing, office work, and maintenance of grounds and buildings. A group of volunteers also works in the library to catalog, maintain and preserve the collection.

RESEARCH LIBRARY

We are a specialized library that excels in the aviation related field. The total collection of library research materials is now one of the best collections of aviation-related reference materials in the country. Currently the major components are: 5,200 General Aviation Books; 1,000 Technical Manuals, Brochures and Drawings; 4,000 Periodicals; 600 Pieces of Artwork; 1,000 Audio Visual items; 4,000 Clippings and Scrapbooks and Personal Collections. The museum is routinely contacted by TV and newspaper reporters to check statistics and get background information to complete and amplify reports. Our library is a valuable research place for students compiling material for reports and term papers and historians researching technical aviation subjects.

THE EMPIRE STATE AVIATION HALL OF FAME

The Empire State Aviation Hall of Fame, which recognizes contributions of New York State aviation pioneers, is housed in The William Golub Center for Aviation Sciences.

TRUSTEES

Arnold Amell

Raynond Davis

Kevin Duscha

Robert Eggleston

Robert T. Farley

Jeanne Jadwin

Matthew LeClair

Sharon Leighton

Peter Gilbert

Sharon Leighton

Jim Liquori

Michael Miller

Kevin Millington

Joyce Newkirk

James W. Oxford

John Panoski

Timothy Reynolds

Ralph Rosenthal

Dennis Ryan

James F, Seeley, Esq.

Andrew Trainor