The museum’s beginnings date back to 1991 when a National Guard helicopter transported an FJ-3 Fury from a park in Taylorsville to the Hickory airport. Today, it’s the largest nonprofit aviation museum in North Carolina.
Morganton Mayor Ronnie Thompson (left) and Lenoir Mayor Joe Gibbons pose for a quick photo while attending the opening of the Hickory Aviation Museum’s new facility.
(Retired) Navy Commander Frank Weissner addresses the crowd gathered at the museum grand opening event. He completed two tours with the Blue Angels. He also did the low-level flying scenes in ‘Top Gun: Maverick.’
A large crowd enjoyed free admission on May 16 to experience the new space for the Hickory Aviation Museum.
ANNE THOMPSON photos / FOR THE PAPER
The museum’s beginnings date back to 1991 when a National Guard helicopter transported an FJ-3 Fury from a park in Taylorsville to the Hickory airport. Today, it’s the largest nonprofit aviation museum in North Carolina.
ANNE THOMPSON / FOR THE PAPER
Morganton Mayor Ronnie Thompson (left) and Lenoir Mayor Joe Gibbons pose for a quick photo while attending the opening of the Hickory Aviation Museum’s new facility.
ANNE THOMPSON / FOR THE PAPER
(Retired) Navy Commander Frank Weissner addresses the crowd gathered at the museum grand opening event. He completed two tours with the Blue Angels. He also did the low-level flying scenes in ‘Top Gun: Maverick.’
ANNE THOMPSON / FOR THE PAPER
The aircraft at the Hickory Aviation Museum spans much of military aviation history.
ANNE THOMPSON / FOR THE PAPER
The museum is part of the Dale Earnhardt Regional Innovation Complex, a 98,000-square-foot advanced workforce training and educational facility.
Hundreds turned out for the Hickory Aviation Museum’s grand reopening in its new facility on the northeast corner of the Hickory Regional Airport.
The Saturday, May 16, event featured special speakers, food and drinks, and, of course, plenty of planes and jets.
Staffed by dedicated volunteers, the museum serves as both a historical archive and a community hub. It offers a unique environment where veterans gather to share stories, providing a hands-on opportunity for younger generations to connect with aviation history.
The new facility will feature a constantly evolving collection, with new exhibits and aircraft added regularly to ensure a fresh experience for every visitor.
The museum is part of the Dale Earnhardt Regional Innovation Complex, a 98,000-square-foot advanced workforce training and educational facility located at the Hickory Regional Airport. Developed in partnership with Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) and the Dale Earnhardt Foundation, the center aims to prepare the next generation of students for high-demand technical careers.
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