Moffett Field Museum: A Journey Through Aviation History

The Moffett Field Museum offers a unique glimpse into the history of the Bay Area and its pivotal role in technology, aviation, space flight, and national defense. Nestled within the iconic Moffett Federal Airfield, the museum features an impressive collection of vehicles, aircraft, artifacts, and exhibits that celebrate this remarkable heritage. From the golden age of flight to the cutting-edge advancements of the space age, each display tells a compelling story of innovation, courage, and the enduring human spirit. The museum's exhibits take visitors on a tour through time, from Moffett Field's earliest days through the Macon era, the World War II period of Army Air Corps training, until the Cold War when the field was home to P-3 Orion maritime patrol squadrons. Visitors can explore photos, models, documents, uniforms, and memorabilia that illustrate the history and culture of naval aviation at Moffett Field. Highlights include cockpits from a Lockheed P-3 Orion, a Hawker Siddeley AV-8A Harrier (where visitors can sit inside), and a Vought F-8U-1 Crusader. A special exhibit pays tribute to Rear Admiral William Moffett, a pioneer of naval aviation. The museum also features a model HO scale railroad built by Navy air personnel. The museum is located across the street from the historic Hangar One, which once housed the USS Macon, a giant airship. The Moffett Field Historical Society was formed in May 1993, and the museum opened in 1994. After being located in Hangar One, the museum moved to Building 126 in 2005.