Museum of Aerospace Medicine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Hangar 9
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 Location in Texas
Location in the United States
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| Location | Brooks Air Force Base Inner Circle Rd., San Antonio, Texas |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1918 |
| Built by | Thomas & Harmon Co. |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000895 |
| Added to NRHP | May 21, 1970 |
Hangar 9 is a very old and important building in San Antonio, Texas. It used to be part of Brooks Air Force Base. For many years, it was home to the Edward H. White II Museum of Aerospace Medicine. This museum was all about the history of flying and space travel, especially how doctors keep pilots and astronauts healthy.
Brooks Air Force Base closed down in 2011. This happened because of a plan called the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC). When the base closed, the museum also closed its doors. Today, Hangar 9 is part of a new area called Brooks City-Base. This area has homes, businesses, and parks. People are working to keep the historic parts of the old air base, like Hangar 9, safe and preserved.
Contents
The Story of Hangar 9
Hangar 9 was built way back in 1918. It was used by the United States Army Air Corps, which was the air force before it became the U.S. Air Force we know today. This hangar played a big role in early aviation history.
Bringing Hangar 9 Back to Life
Many years later, people wanted to save Hangar 9 because it was so important. The Bexar County Historical Survey Committee helped to restore the building. Their idea was to turn it into a special museum. This museum would show the early days of Brooks Field. It would also display many old photos and equipment related to flying and space medicine.
Remembering Ed White
The museum was named after a famous person from San Antonio, Ed White. He was an astronaut and made history as the first American to "walk" in space. Naming the museum after him honored his amazing achievements.
A Landmark of History
Hangar 9 is not just an old building; it's a recognized piece of history. In 1970, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes important places across the country. Then, in 1976, it became an even more special place: a National Historic Landmark.
The State of Texas also recognized Hangar 9's importance. They named it a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. The City of San Antonio also calls it a City Historic Landmark. These titles help make sure that Hangar 9 is protected and remembered for its role in history.
