Offers Free Admission To Healthcare Workers

On Thursday, July 9th at 10am, the Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center will reopen to the public following local, state, and federal guidelines.

The air and space museum has been working diligently preparing for a safe and secure experience for visitors and will begin a phased reopening approach proceeding cautiously to normal services, placing the health and safety of its visitors, employees and community first. As a thank you to frontline healthcare workers for their courageous and selfless efforts, the museum is offering free admission until August 30, 2020 with valid employee ID.

Additionally, for reopening weekend only, July 9 – July 12th, the museum is rolling out from storage, four recently restored aircraft, the Republic F-105 Thunderchief, the Grumman Agcat, the Grumman X-29, and the Fokker D-VII, for visitors to view outside for the very first time.

“The Cradle staff and volunteers are excited to be able to reopen the museum to provide visitors with a safe and exciting experience. The museum staff has worked hard to create a safe and clean environment for all visitors and we look forward to welcoming everyone to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the end of WWII as well as the 50th Anniversary of F-14 Tomcat,” said Andrew Parton, President, Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center

As of July 9th the museum’s new operating hours are Thursday – Sunday 10 am-4 pm. Museum galleries will be open. The Theater and Planetarium, Nunley’s Carousel, and Junior Jet Club are temporarily closed as per NYS direction. The Cafe is open, but with limited light snacks and pre-packaged items. Admission tickets may be purchased online or at the box office.

In recognition of the re-opening of the Cradle of Aviation Museum, the museum will allow visitors to see four aircraft recently restored and in storage for ONE weekend only. This is the FIRST time these aircraft will have been shown to the public and they will be placed back in storage after this weekend. Visitors may inspect the aircraft up close, barrier free, and museum staff will be on hand to answer any questions. The aircraft will be shown outdoors which should allow for excellent photographic opportunities. This viewing is free with admission.

These aircraft are the Republic F-105 Thunderchief Mach 2 fighter/bomber built in Farmingdale in the late 1950’s, a Grumman Agcat -- a 1960’s cropduster designed and first built in Bethpage, a Grumman X-29 -- this full-scale mockup was built by Grumman prior to the construction of the two experimental jets in the 1980’s, and a Fokker D-VII vintage flyable replica that is still under active restoration.

FMI: www.cradleofaviation.org