- What the museum consists of (aircrafts, engines, cars, etc)
- How many vintage original aircrafts are on display at the museum
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The Kelch Aviation Museum is officially open after five years of fundraising and community support. The new facilities consist of a 12,000 square foot main space, the Bill & Sue Knight Memorial Vintage Hangar, filled with aircraft, engines, cars, and immersive displays, and the Kent Joranlien Memorial Fellowship Located on the peaceful countryside Brodhead airport, The Alfred & Lois Kelch Aviation Museum celebrates the Golden Age of Aviation – the science, the technology, and the stories that launched aviation into the modern age. In 2004, the entirety of Alfred & Lois Kelch’s vintage aircraft collection was placed into the Alfred & Lois Kelch Charitable Trust, along with funds to “keep the hangars open”. In 2012, the trust board decided the doors should be open – and more. With the help of hundreds of donors and supporters, we’ve become a true museum.
Kelch’s aircraft collection is made up of 19 original vintage airplanes. Some are from Al Kelch’s original collection, some have been donated, and some are on long-term loan to the museum. Within the fleet are an original Taylor E-2 Cub, a Stearman C3B with a fascinating history, the only airworthy Butler Blackhawk in existence, and a Travel Air with a direct link to Charles Lindbergh. They keep many of their planes airworthy, so on any given summer’s day you’re likely to see one soaring overhead.
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