March Field Museum Foundation

March Field Museum Foundation
Name	March Field Museum Foundation
Founded	1979
Location	March Air Reserve Base, Riverside County, California
Focus	Aviation history, Military history
Website	https://www.marchfield.org

March Field Museum Foundation. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich aviation and military heritage associated with March Air Reserve Base in Riverside County, California. Established in 1979, the foundation operates the March Field Air Museum, which serves as a major cultural and educational institution in Southern California. Its mission centers on honoring the service of United States Armed Forces personnel and educating the public about the evolution of American air power.

History

The foundation was established in 1979 by a group of dedicated community leaders and United States Air Force veterans, including notable figures like Major General William Lyon. Its creation was driven by the need to preserve the historic legacy of March Field, which was originally established in 1918 as a training base for the United States Army Air Service. The museum initially opened in a small base theater before moving to its first dedicated hangar in the early 1980s. A significant expansion occurred in the 1990s with the construction of a modern museum complex adjacent to the active flight line of March Air Reserve Base, allowing for the display of larger aircraft. Throughout its history, the foundation has worked closely with entities like the Air Force Reserve Command and the United States Army Air Forces historical community to recover and restore significant artifacts.

Mission and purpose

The core mission is to collect, preserve, and exhibit historical artifacts related to March Field and the broader narrative of United States military aviation. A primary purpose is to provide an educational resource for students, scholars, and the general public, focusing on themes of technological innovation, strategic air power, and personal sacrifice. The foundation aims to honor the contributions of all service members, from the World War I era through contemporary conflicts, fostering a deeper public appreciation for aeronautics and national defense. This mission is achieved through curated exhibitions, public programming, and collaborative efforts with institutions like the Smithsonian Institution and local school districts.

Collections and exhibits

The foundation's collections encompass over 70 historic aircraft, including iconic examples like the SR-71 Blackbird, the B-52 Stratofortress, and the F-14 Tomcat. Indoor exhibit halls display thousands of artifacts ranging from World War II uniforms and Medal of Honor citations to rare photographs from the Korean War and Vietnam War. Thematic exhibits explore specific eras, such as the role of March Field during the Cold War and the development of the Strategic Air Command. Notable outdoor displays feature a B-17 Flying Fortress, several generations of fighter aircraft, and a Mighty Eighth Air Force memorial. The collection also includes significant holdings related to the Women Airforce Service Pilots and the Tuskegee Airmen.

Facilities and operations

The primary facility is the March Field Air Museum, situated on 35 acres near the main gate of March Air Reserve Base. The campus includes multiple large display hangars, a restoration hangar where volunteers work on aircraft like the C-47 Skytrain, extensive outdoor tarmac displays, a research library, and a museum store. Daily operations are managed by a small professional staff supported by a large corps of dedicated volunteers, many of whom are retired veterans from the United States Air Force and United States Navy. The foundation maintains a close operational relationship with the 452nd Air Mobility Wing to ensure security and access, while also managing its own maintenance, curation, and visitor services independently.

Community involvement and events

The foundation engages the community through a robust calendar of public events, including the annual "Planes of Fame" airshow, which features performances by the United States Navy Blue Angels or the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. Educational programs offer STEM-focused field trips for schools across Riverside County and San Bernardino County. It hosts regular veterans' reunions for groups like the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, and commemorates holidays such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day with special ceremonies. Partnerships with local entities like the Riverside Art Museum and the Mission Inn support cultural tourism in the Inland Empire.

Governance and funding

Governance is provided by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of community leaders, business executives, and retired military officers. Day-to-day administration is overseen by an Executive Director who reports to the board. Funding is derived from a combination of sources, including museum admissions, membership dues, gift shop revenue, and facility rentals for private events. Critical financial support comes from charitable donations, grants from organizations like the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, and fundraising galas. The foundation operates under a 501(c)(3) non-profit status, ensuring that all contributions are tax-deductible and directly support its preservation and educational missions.

Category:Aviation museums in California Category:Military and war museums in California Category:Museums in Riverside County, California Category:Organizations based in California Category:1979 establishments in California