When you think of aviation history, Tullahoma, Tennessee, might not be the first place that

comes to mind. Yet this rural town near the Alabama border is home to a world-class aviation destination: the Beechcraft Heritage Museum. More than just an airplane museum, this facility is a celebration of American aviation history and the pioneering spirit of Beechcraft.
From Pulaski to Wichita to Tullahoma
The story begins with Walter Beech, a native of Pulaski, Tennessee, who went on to co-found
the Beechcraft Aircraft Company in Wichita, Kansas, in 1932. Beech’s Tennessee roots form the foundation for this museum’s location, blending the heritage of the South with the innovation of American aviation.
Initially established in 1973 as the Staggerwing Museum Foundation, the museum was
dedicated to preserving the iconic Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing biplane. Over the decades, its scope expanded to include a stunning collection of 38 aircraft spanning generations of aviation history. These exhibits showcase the evolution of Beechcraft, from the groundbreaking Staggerwing to the futuristic Starship.
A Treasure Trove of Aviation Legacy
Set on a picturesque, campus-style setting adjacent to the Tullahoma Regional Airport, the
museum’s 78,000+ square feet of climate-controlled space houses a collection like no other.
Highlights include:
● Rare Aircraft: The first manufactured 1924 Travel Air, Serial Number 1 Staggerwing,
and the first of only five ever-built Travel Air Mystery Ships.
● Military History: Aircraft like the Beech T-34 Naval trainer and the AT-11 used during
World War II.
● Unique Memorabilia: Racing trophies and personal items from pioneering aviatrix
Louise Thaden, including her pilot’s license signed by Orville Wright.
● Beechcraft Innovations: The classic V-tail Bonanza, Twin Beech 18, and the
cutting-edge 2000 Starship.
A Museum Built by Passion
The Beechcraft Heritage Museum wouldn’t exist without the dedication of aviation enthusiasts. It all started when Louise Thaden, a famed pilot for Beech Aircraft Company, inspired attendees at a Staggerwing fly-in to preserve the aircraft’s legacy. Generously, Charlotte Parish donated the land, and what began as a modest two-room log cabin has since grown into a global aviation hub.
The museum’s evolution reflects the collaborative efforts of various Beechcraft communities,
from Staggerwing purists to Bonanza and Baron enthusiasts. Each expansion—from the Cianchette hangar in 1998 to the Bost hangar in 2006—marks a new chapter in its mission to
honor Beechcraft’s legacy.
Celebrating Over 50 Years of Preservation
The Beechcraft Heritage Museum, which marked its 50th anniversary in 2023, continues to honor the vision of its founders and the passion of aviation enthusiasts worldwide. This October, the annual “Beech Party” convention, happening October 9, 10, and 11, 2025, will feature renowned speakers and showcase rare and unique aircraft from across the country. Visitors will have the chance to immerse themselves in the rich history of Beechcraft while celebrating the enduring legacy of aviation.
Plan Your Visit
Open year-round from 9 AM to 4 PM Central Time, the Beechcraft Heritage Museum offers an
unparalleled look at aviation history. Whether you’re an aircraft enthusiast or a curious traveler, this Tullahoma gem invites you to explore the skies through its extraordinary collection.
Visit the Beechcraft Heritage Museum and discover why it’s more than just an airplane
museum—it’s a celebration of innovation, history, and the enduring spirit of flight.
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