Object IL1997.001.012  Propeller, Fixed-Pitch, Four-Blade, American Propeller and Mfg. Co. (Paragon)   Greeting guests at our Flight Discovery Center is a wall of several early wooden propellers. Collected by and on loan from the family of Patrick Schiffer, the collection showcases a slice of aircraft propulsion from the 1910s and 1920s.  Arguably the most distinct in this assemblage is this month’s featured artifact, a four-bladed propeller made by the American Propelle... Read More

atMonday,Mar 31,2025

The SR-71 Blackbird remains one of the most legendary aircraft in aviation history, capable of reaching speeds over Mach 3+. At the heart of this engineering marvel is the Pratt & Whitney J-58 engine, a powerhouse that enabled the Blackbird to dominate the skies.  During the Air Zoo’s SR-71 Spy-posium, we had the privilege of sitting down with Arnie Gunderson, former Program Manager for the J-58 engine. With decades of expertise, Arnie provides rare insights into how this r... Read More

atTuesday,Mar 18,2025

Looking for things to do in Kalamazoo, MI this month? Celebrate Women’s History Month at the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center, where visitors of all ages can explore the groundbreaking contributions of women in aviation and space. The Women in Air & Space exhibitions honor female pioneers in STEM, aviation, and space exploration, making the Air Zoo one of the best family-friendly museums in Michigan. Exhibit Highlights Amelia: Adventurous Aviatrix Step into the world of Amelia Earhart... Read More

Posted bySeth Welton atTuesday,Mar 4,2025

As the Air Zoo seeks stories to help humanize our USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) anchor, we are glad to have discovered U.S. Navy Senior Chief Nilsa Rosada Bibiloni, who served on the Hawk. During her 1983 to 2005 service, Nilsa supported women sailors and worked in a traditionally male role.   Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Nilsa hadn’t left her island home until volunteering to serve her country with the U.S. Navy. Nilsa initially struggled with some language barriers as spoke English a... Read More

atThursday,Feb 27,2025

Object 1993.144.004  Handheld Air Raid Siren  If you asked someone to find the loudest artifact in the Air Zoo’s collection, a frontrunner would be this month’s featured artifact, a World War II handheld mechanical siren. Warning sirens like this and their piercing became a visual and auditory presence of World War II, a conflict heavily influenced by attack from the air. Many operated on the same basic mechanical principle, using a rotating fin assembly – powered... Read More

KALAMAZOO, MI, February 17, 2025 – The Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center in partnership with Society of Women Engineers (SWE) South Central Michigan (SCMI) section is proud to announce the 12th annual Corporate Engineering Challenge at the Air Zoo on Saturday, February 22. This exciting, hands-on event is designed to inspire and empower young girls to explore careers in engineering. SWE is a not-for-profit educational and service organization committed to advancing females in engineeri... Read More

Posted bySeth Welton atMonday,Feb 17,2025

The Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Center has engaged experience planning and design firm PGAV Destinations to develop a strategic vision and master plan. The plan builds on the Air Zoo’s momentum by laying the foundation for significant capital improvement projects designed to elevate the visitor experience and chart a course for sustainable growth. Through a dynamic, collaborative approach, this initiative aims to build new business opportunities and strengthen the Air Zoo’s role... Read More

Posted bySeth Welton atTuesday,Feb 11,2025

Ah, Valentine’s Day. So special with that certain someone! Or dreaded. Or just another day. Into which category do you fall? If you fall into the first category and your sweetheart 1) has everything they need, and 2) is an Air Zoo enthusiast, how about making an Air Zoo donation in their honor? Win-win, with one to spare. What’s not to love? You get the satisfaction of giving your Valentine something thoughtful, unique, and... tax-deductible. (But that wasn’t the primary mo... Read More

Posted byNikki Statler atSaturday,Feb 1,2025

At the Air Zoo, we hold a soft spot in our hearts for groundbreaking aviatrix, Bessie Coleman. Had we enjoyed the chance to chat with Bessie while strolling Chicago’s State Street where she worked and played, or toast champagne with her in France where she learned to fly, we would have discovered many shared passions. Just like the Air Zoo, Bessie believed in lifting others into careers including flight.   In line with our commitment to diversity and inclusion, Bessie planned to o... Read More

Object 1983.018.001, 1999.054.001, and 2019.005.001  World War II Sweetheart Jewelry  In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, this month’s featured artifacts is a selection of “sweetheart jewelry.”  Traditionally given by servicemen heading to war to a loved one at home, sweetheart jewelry dates to World War I, but the concept really took off during World War II. Fashionable and made in a variety of shapes from pendants to pins to bracelets, sweetheart jewelr... Read More

Portage, MI, January 10, 2025 – The Air Zoo is thrilled to announce the return of its highly-anticipated 4th Annual Ice Cream Challenge, an event that brings together creativity, science, and mouthwatering flavors! On Saturday, January 18 from 11am-3pm, teams from local businesses and organizations will compete to win the coveted Golden Cone Trophy by crafting their own unique ice cream recipes. Watch as these sweet treats are frozen before your eyes with the power of liquid nitrogen! S... Read More

Posted bySeth Welton atFriday,Jan 10,2025

    Good at math and management, Kalamazoo Central High School and University of Michigan graduate James A. “Jim” McDivitt (1929-2022) explored and succeeded at a variety of career roles. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1951 and flew 145 combat missions in F-80s and F-84s during the Korean War (1950-1953), retiring as Brigadier General.   Jim made history as a Gemini IV and Apollo 9 astronaut and commander, respectively. In 1969, Jim became Apollo Sp... Read More

Posted bySeth Welton atTuesday,Dec 31,2024