Since 1956

Preserving American Aviation History

AAHS is dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of the rich heritage of American aviation — collecting, preserving, and promoting the written and visual record of the planes, people, places, and events that built it.

Founded 1956 · Celebrating over 65+ Years of Service

Organization

501(c)(3) Non-Profit

Collection

1,000,000+ Items

Recognized By

Smithsonian NASM

Publications

Journal & FlightLine

Our Purpose

Our purpose is to collect, preserve, and promote the written and visual record of planes, people, places, and events involved in the development and expansion of American aviation — and to promote that heritage through library and media resources for youth and adults, in aviation education, scholarships, career development, and outreach programs.

Our Purpose

A Non-Profit Educational Society Since 1956

The American Aviation Historical Society was founded in 1956 as a non-profit (501(c)(3)) educational organization. Our primary objective is the preservation and dissemination of the rich heritage of American aviation. The Society maintains an extensive collection of books, documents, and photographs available to researchers and aviation enthusiasts across a wide range of American aviation history.

AAHS publishes quarterly an outstanding AAHS Journal and an informative AAHS FlightLine, sharing interesting and often little-known facts of American aviation. The Society serves as a catalyst, providing a forum for communication among members who share a common interest in specific topics.
65+ Years of Documentation

Recognized by the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

During our 65-plus years of documenting significant events in the industry, our coverage has spanned Air Force, Naval, and Marine aircraft and their deployment in WWI, WWII, and the Korean and Vietnam conflicts — as well as the emergence of civil aviation, from the Wright Brothers on. The evolution of commercial aviation companies and the aircraft they operated is well represented in both Journal articles and the photo library.

What Members Get

Open to anyone, anywhere

Members get “behind the scenes” design and development revelations concerning the American aircraft industry — learning about the triumphs and boondoggles associated with the development and testing of military and civilian aircraft.

For the Historian

Over 1,000,000 Items

Gain access to more than a million periodicals, photos, and rare books held in the Society’s collection.

For the Collector

Wants & Disposals

Connect with others who share your interest, exchange contacts, and locate the critical items you need to round out your collection.

For Everyone

Open Membership

Membership is open to anyone, anywhere, with an interest in aviation and its history — no prior credentials required.

Support the Society

Don’t Wish to Join, But Want to Help?

Consider making a tax-deductible donation. Your support and contributions are appreciated, and help further the goals of the Society. Your donation is greatly appreciated.

Scroll to Top

Inquiry for AAHSPlaneSpotter Admin

Inquiry for Webmaster

Inquiry for FlightLine Editor

Inquiry for Managing Editor

Inquiry for President