National Air Force Museum of Canada facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
National Air Force Museum of Canada

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Former name	RCAF Memorial Library and Museum Air Force National Museum
Established	1984 (1984)
Location	CFB Trenton in Trenton, Ontario
Type	Aviation museum

The National Air Force Museum of Canada is a cool place where you can learn all about the history of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). It's like a giant scrapbook and display case for everything related to Canadian military aviation. You can find it at CFB Trenton in Trenton, Ontario.

This museum is a special place that keeps, protects, and shows off amazing items. These include RCAF souvenirs, photos, paintings, and important documents. It's a way to remember and honor all the brave men and women who served in the RCAF and its earlier groups.

Exploring the Museum's History

The museum first opened its doors on April 1, 1984. This date was special because it was the 60th birthday of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Back then, it was called the RCAF Memorial Library and Museum. It was located in the CFB Trenton Recreation Center.

However, the museum quickly grew too big for its first home. So, exactly ten years later, in 1994, it moved to the base's old curling club. In 1995, the museum got a Handley Page Halifax airplane to restore. This meant they needed even more space!

From 2004 to 2005, the museum built a special new building. This was called the Main Exhibition Hall. Before this, in 1998, the museum's name changed to the Air Force National Museum. Ten years later, it changed again to its current name, the National Air Force Museum of Canada.

In 2016, the museum added an Avro Lancaster airplane to its collection. This plane had been on display in Edmundston, New Brunswick. Later that year, the museum also got a CP-140 Aurora aircraft.

Discovering the Aircraft Collection

The museum has an amazing collection of aircraft. These planes tell the story of Canadian aviation. Some are on display, while others are being carefully restored.

Aircraft on Display

You can see many different types of aircraft at the museum. These planes show how aviation technology has changed over the years. Each one has its own unique history.

Canadair CP-107 Argus, a maritime patrol aircraft.

The Handley Page Halifax A.VII, a famous bomber from World War II.

Aircraft Under Restoration

Some aircraft need a lot of work to be ready for display. These planes are carefully restored by experts. It's a long process, but it helps preserve these important pieces of history.

Honoring Heroes with Memorials

The museum also has many memorials. These are special monuments or plaques. They are dedicated to different RCAF squadrons and units. They help us remember the brave people who served in these groups. There are 29 such memorials and cairns at the museum.

Museum Connections

The National Air Force Museum of Canada works with several important organizations. These connections help the museum share its history and learn from others.

• CMA
• CHIN
• OMMC
• Virtual Museum of Canada

See also

• List of aviation museums
• National Museum of the United States Air Force
• Organization of Military Museums of Canada