Cradle of Aviation Museum — Attraction in Town of Hempstead

Excellent! Did not expect much prior to visiting, as this visit was researched and planned by someone else because we had to be on Long Island for a wedding weekend. Having designed products for flight, I thought this was just going to be another airplane museum with a few planes in a hangar type situation. I was wrong. Definitely did not allocate enough time (2 hours) to enjoy all the exhibits. There were four scheduled movies that day in the planetarium dome theater, and we did not pay extra to view them, and the titles did not indicate they were strictly aviation topics; so I can't comment on that. We went on Mother's Day, and it was not crowded. The building exterior was nothing special, which is fine because the insides were very special. We first went to the Jet gallery, to see the A-6F, cockpit of a Boeing 707, A-10, and F-14A. I thought this was how the whole museum was going to be -- nice presentations with some write-ups, but the main galleries were amazing. I suggest you ask to find the correct place to start to go in chronological order, because we did not, and wish we had. We randomly went up the staircase and had some amazing views of the entrance lobby and galleries below, and hanging vehicles of all shapes and sizes. Once down on the main floor, the experience was interesting and educational, all types of exhibits, some just for viewing, and some interactive. There were local historical displays, some relevant to Grumman, and other early aviation groups, training schools, and events. Information on aircraft construction and flight theory through the early years, and then going into progress during WWI/WWII, including weapons. Lots of full aircraft and some cutaway displays explaining advances through the years. Great displays related to aircraft carriers, and a nice little display regarding current drones. Also displays on space race, including Gemini/Apollo/Space Shuttle, and a full size Lunar Excursion Module...

The Cradle of Aviation Museum earns it's name! I had no idea how many aviation companies got their start in Long Island! Our Scout Troop arrived right before the museum opened, on a warm May Sunday, at the tail end of COVID restrictions- which is probably why it was too crowded.

First off, look up a soon as you walk in- you won't regret it! For our tour, we had several very knowledgeable tour guides show us around, and explain the amazing amount of aviation history that is present on LI- starting with hot air balloons, going on to blimps, then to steam-powered unmanned aircraft, before getting into the early biplane, monoplanes, and early aviation pioneers from LI. The attention to detail present throughout, and the amazing, thought-out displays are awe-inspiring and extremely informative, yet short and simple (not too much information, and not just the name of something). The WWII and post-war/cold-war planes and displays left me speechless. Every time I see another of my favorite planes, I'm shocked to see it was designed or built in Long Island! The space displays, including one of the three Apollo LEMs not to go to space, are great to see. The way the LEM is displayed, is absolutely stunning- I couldn't imagine a better display for such a historic spacecraft. I'm not going to name all the beautifully restored planes on display, or all the LI pioneers honored here. If you love aviation, space, history, Long Island, or any combination thereof, then visit this museum- because that is the amazing stuff that is here for you to discover!

One last thing- pay attention to the A-10 displays... tap the outside of the cockpit metal right where the pilot sits, then tap the sheet metal a foot behind- you will here and feel the difference, and understand why that is one of the meanest and most survivable aircraft around.

Please visit this great aviation museum- you will cherish the time you spend there, and you will be amazed at what you...

My recent visit to the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, NY was an enriching experience that left me in awe of human ingenuity and exploration. As an aviation enthusiast, I was thrilled to explore the extensive collection of aircraft, artifacts, and exhibits that showcase the evolution of aviation from its early beginnings to modern-day achievements.

Walking through the museum, I was captivated by the historical aircraft on display, including iconic planes like the Wright Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, and the Apollo Lunar Module. Each aircraft tells a story of innovation, bravery, and progress in aviation history.

In addition to the impressive aircraft collection, the museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations that provide a deeper understanding of aviation technology, space exploration, and the individuals who shaped these industries. From flight simulators to hands-on displays, there's something for visitors of all ages to enjoy and learn from.

One highlight of my visit was exploring the museum's Space Gallery, which features artifacts and exhibits dedicated to humanity's exploration of space. Standing beneath the towering Saturn V rocket and marveling at the lunar module replicas, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and inspiration.

Overall, the Cradle of Aviation Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in aviation, space exploration, and technological innovation. It's a testament to the incredible achievements of the past and a source of inspiration for future generations. I highly recommend dedicating a day to explore this treasure trove of history and discovery.

-Marisa...