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 special place that helps us remember the history of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). It's located in Trenton, Ontario, at a place called CFB Trenton. This museum is like a giant scrapbook. It collects and shows off cool items, photos, paintings, and documents from the RCAF. It's a way to honor all the brave men and women who served in the RCAF and its earlier groups.

History of the Museum

The museum first opened its doors on April 1, 1984. It was called the RCAF Memorial Library and Museum back then. This date was special because it was the 60th birthday of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The museum started 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. Its new location was the base's old curling club. In 1995, the museum got a huge project: restoring a Handley Page Halifax airplane. This meant they needed even more space!

To solve the space problem, the museum built a brand-new Main Exhibition Hall. This building was made just for the museum and was finished between 2004 and 2005. Before that, in 1998, the museum's name changed to the Air Force National Museum. Then, ten years later, it changed again to its current name, the National Air Force Museum of Canada.

More construction happened between November 2012 and August 2013. This second phase added more staircases between the two floors. It also finished various rooms inside the building. In 2014, parts from the museum's C-130 aircraft were used for an active duty plane.

In 2016, the museum got an Avro Lancaster airplane. This plane had been on display in Edmundston, New Brunswick. Chris Colton, who was the executive director for 21 years, retired in June 2018. Later that same year, the museum added a CP-140 Aurora to its collection.

Aircraft Collection

The museum has many amazing aircraft on display. These planes show the history of flight and the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Aircraft on Display

Canadair CP-107 Argus

Handley Page Halifax A.VII

Under Restoration

Some aircraft at the museum are currently being fixed up and restored. This work helps bring them back to their original condition.

Memorials and Tributes

The museum also has 29 memorials and stone monuments. These are dedicated to different RCAF squadrons and units. They help remember the brave people who served in these groups.

Museum Affiliations

The National Air Force Museum of Canada works with several other organizations. These connections help the museum share its history and learn from others. It is connected to:

• 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