National Aviation Hall of Fame facts for kids

The National Aviation Hall of Fame logo.

The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) is a special place that celebrates amazing people in aviation. It's like a museum, but it also hosts an awards ceremony every year. It helps people learn about flight and do research.

It started in 1962 in Dayton, Ohio, USA. Dayton is often called the "Birthplace of Aviation" because the Wright brothers lived there. In 2017, the yearly awards ceremony started moving to different cities, like Fort Worth, Texas.

History of the Hall of Fame

The National Aviation Hall of Fame was officially recognized by the U.S. government on July 14, 1964. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a law to make it a national organization. It still works as a public foundation today, reporting to Congress each year. It gets most of its money from people and groups who donate.

What is the Hall of Fame's Goal?

The main goal of the Hall of Fame is to "honor aerospace legends to inspire future leaders." This means they celebrate the courage, skill, and hard work of people in air and space travel. They hope these stories will encourage young people to achieve great things.

The Induction Ceremony

Since 1962, a big event is held every year to welcome new members. Usually, four or five people are chosen each year. A group of aviation and space experts from all over the country carefully picks these special individuals.

This awards night is sometimes called "The Oscar Night of Aviation." It often happens with the Wings of Women (WOW) program, which helps guide young women.

Where to Find the Hall of Fame

The National Aviation Hall of Fame is right next to the National Museum of the United States Air Force. The museum shows many types of flight, including military planes, commercial jets, and even spacecraft. It's open most of the year, except for some holidays.

Honored Members

The Hall of Fame has welcomed many incredible people. Here is a list of those who have been honored, in alphabetical order, with the year they were inducted.

See also

• North American aviation halls of fame
• Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy
• Living Legends of Aviation