- What the museum consists of (aircrafts, engines, cars, etc)
- How many vintage original aircrafts are on display at the museum
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.
