Museum Commemorates Pan American World Airways

As the calendar approaches December 4th, a small aerospace museum in Garden City, New York readies itself to celebrate 64 years of service for the foundational, defining work of Pan Am.

The seminal airline that wrote the book on luxury, sophistication, and service closed its doors for the last time in 1991 in a world of increasing fuel costs, economic difficulties, and security woes. On December 5, 2021, the Pan Am Museum Foundation will host a public event to celebrate the legacy of the airline, and those who built it, with the unveiling of its newest exhibit: The Pan Am Saga, following the life of the company from its humble beginnings in 1927 to it’s fall amongst the world’s giants years later. 

The Pan Am Museum opened in 2015 as the sole institution devoted to the legacy of the airline, devoting itself to retaining the rich history and culture of the airline and its people. Through permanent installations, digital content on podcast distributors and social media, and partnerships with other institutions, the museum keeps the airline’s memory alive through educational storytelling and programming.

The overriding philosophy of the foundation is to “educate and inspire future generations by preserving the diverse and historical institutional and personal stories of Pan American World Airways”, a mission that should help keep that old-world cachet, sophistication, and customer service in mind in a world where such things are proving too inconvenient to be profitable. 

Former Pan Am personnel on staff range from former flight attendants, pilots, ground crew, and executives, as well as Ed Trippe, the youngest son of founder and longtime CEO Juan T. Trippe. Interviews and appearances may be scheduled through the museum foundation.

The foundation is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization. 

FMI: www.thepanammuseum.org