35th Anniversary of United Flight 232
Open House and Special Presentation at Air Museum
July 19, 2024-10:00 am - 3:00 pm Open House
3:45 pm - presentation
4:00 Moment of Silence
Parts of this feature appeared in the May 11, 2023 Sergeant Bluff Advocate newspaper
(SB) - If you are looking for a place to explore the history and wonders of aviation and transportation, look no further than the Mid America Museum of Aviation and Transportation. Located just a few miles from Sergeant Bluff, the museum is a treasure trove of artifacts, exhibits, and stories that showcase the role of aviation and transportation in our lives.
The museum is located at 2600 Expedition Court on the northeast corner of the Sioux Gateway Airport, which was once a World War II Air Corps Base used to train aviators1. The museum occupies a spacious hangar with a wide variety of displays and exhibits of full-size aircraft and surface transportation from bicycles to vintage automobiles, a fire engine, and even a Boeing 727-200!
One of the highlights of the museum is the 727 Learning Center, sponsored by FedEx Express. This is a fully functional Boeing 727-200 that was donated by FedEx to the museum in 2015. The plane has been converted into a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning center that offers interactive and hands-on activities for students and visitors of all ages. You can explore the cockpit, and learn about aerodynamics, flight controls, navigation, weather, and more.
“I think it’s amazing that we have this opportunity to learn about aviation in such a fun and engaging way,” said Emily Smith, a 10-year-old student who participated in one of the museum’s summer camps. “I love flying the simulator and seeing how everything works inside the plane.”
Another highlight is the Flight 232 Exhibit and Garden, which commemorates the tragic crash of United Flight 232 that occurred on July 19, 1989, at the Sioux Gateway Airport. The exhibit features a large collection of artifacts, photos, and a film that tells the story of Flight 232, the crash, the rescue efforts, and the aftermath. The exhibit also honors the heroism and resilience of the crew, passengers, first responders, and community members who were involved in or affected by the disaster. The garden outside the museum is a peaceful place to reflect and remember the 112 lives that were lost and the 184 survivors.
The Mid America Museum of Aviation and Transportation is a must-see destination for anyone who loves aviation and transportation or who wants to learn more about them. It is a place where you can take a step back into history and encounter unique artifacts and exhibits that help tell the exciting story of aviation and transportation in our lives.
