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arrowleft foundation history

The Minnesota Air Guard Museum is an authorized USAF Air Park of the 133rd Airlift Wing and supported by the Minnesota Air National Guard Historical Foundation. It was founded by a group of men and women who were determined to preserve this part of the rich aviation heritage of Minnesota Air National Guard and the aviation heritage of Minnesota.

Work began on the museum buildings in early 1983 when the 934th TAG (the base host) gave it approval to go ahead. Initial work began on the center section and North bay of the old alert hangars where the Northrop F-89 Scorpions once lay in wait for hostile aircraft to appear.

In the Summer of 1984, the formal dedication of the Museum took place, with Eva Miller, widow of Minnesota Air Guard founder Ray S. Miller, cutting the ribbon. The event was part of a base open house and drew about 30,000 visitors.

Today the museum members are looking to build a new state of the art museum on what is now the Ft. Snelling nine-hole golf course. This new facility would make the museum one of the best in the nation.

The goal of the foundation is to build an air and space museum for all ages. It will be much more than a traditional museum. It will also be an informal science and education center, conference and convention center, and a major tourist destination for all of Minnesota and the Twin Cities.

Estimates of the cost of a facility of this magnitude run as high as $40 million, all of which must come from private or local government sources, not from the state of Minnesota or Federal Government.

This is where your help will be critical. This must be a community effort in the widest possible sense. We ask you to help spread the word and, we hope, the enthusiasm for this project. Please contact the Minnesota Air National Guard Historical Foundation for additional information.

arrowleft foundation team

The Minnesota Air National Guard Historical Foundation's Board of Directors, membership and volunteers. Museum staff are employees Minnesota Air National Guard Historical Foundation.

arrowleft The Minnesota Air National Guard Historical Foundation's Board of Directors:

  • John Kahler, Chairman
  • Mark Ness, Vice Chairman
  • Robert A. Minish, Treasurer
  • Theodore Hoeben, Secretary
  • Richard W. Wiessner
  • Stan Ross
  • Jerry Kyser 
  • James Johns 

arrowleft Foundation Membership

Since 1982, members of the Minnesota Air National Guard Historical Foundation have been essential in meeting the mission of bringing together historical, educational and technological resources to create programs which preserve our aviation heritage in building an air and space museum for all ages that embraces Minnesota Air National Guard aviation, Minneapolis-St. Paul IAP, the U. S. Air Force and the history of Minnesota aviation. Join Up! The Minnesota Air National Guard Historical Foundation is registered as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

arrowleft Volunteers

Volunteers are the life blood of the Foundation and the Museum. Day in and day out, they provide a myriad of services for the Foundation and the Museum.

arrowleft How to Become a Volunteer:

Volunteers at the Museum enjoy a real sense of camaraderie, in a flexible environment that appreciates the value of their time and commitment. We use their particular skill or area of interest to fulfill the needs of the Museum.

We encourage you to become a museum volunteer...give the gift of time. Even a small commitment of time, can make a real difference. It's a great opportunity to share your excitement and enthusiasm about aviation, while making a positive impact in the community.

If you are interested, please call the Museum office at (612) 713-2523, we look forward to hearing from you.