Past Events

The A-10 Thunderbolt also known as the Warthog, or the Tankbuster makes its maiden appearance at the Palm Springs Air Museum on Sat, March 12.  The Warthog was used extensively during Operation Desert Storm, the Kosovo crisis, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Now entering their 50th year these nasty beasts are still “taking names.” Meet the man who was the first A-10 (Warthog) Squadron Commander for the 353rd Tactical Fighter Squadron. Learn more about what its…

During World War II political and military leaders of the Empire of Japan committed major war crimes and crimes against humanity. Over six million civilians and prisoners of war were killed by the Japanese. Why was Emperor Hirohito never cleared or brought to trial? Why did General MacArthur give immunity to the Japanese scientists doing bacteriological research? Historian Ed Gordon will discuss this historic trial and the controversial questions surrounding its events. Presenter: Dr. Edward Gordon

You are invited to attend the Palm Springs Air Museum star-studded gala on March 25 honoring the men and women pioneers of aviation. Special tribute in Memoriam to Phil Hixon, Chairman Emeritus and one of the Founders of the PS Air Museum. Featuring celebrity Master of Ceremonies, Joe Mantegna, and musical entertainment by High Rize Show Band. Hosted cocktails and appetizers start at 5:30 PM, followed by sit down gourmet dinner, program, and dancing. Black tie or military uniform, $425…

“I remember my last mission very well, as a matter of fact. . .. I was given a target, specific to the F-117 community, we call it a "non-collateral damage target," where we couldn't accept anything besides the target itself being destroyed, and it was extremely bad weather on the night that I went to that target. So, there was a real decision that I had to make in my mind ……it was probably as nervous as I've ever been…

the Jim Houston Pavilion featuring the F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Bomber opens to the public today. Pavilion includes exhibits on stealth technology. Pavilion entrance included with regular museum admission. Free for Palm Springs Air Museum Members.  Open regular hours: daily from 10 am to 5 pm, just like the rest of the Museum.

Flying the Blackbird: A discussion about what it took to operate the SR-71 Join us for a moderated program about piloting what is even today the world’s fastest air-breathing manned aircraft, the SR-71 Blackbird.  Our special guests include Col. Buz Carpenter, a former SR-71 driver and current overseer of the Smithsonian’s famed Blackbird aircraft along with its related programs and exhibits. Also with us will be author, Keith Dunnavant who has just published the book, “Speed: The life of a…

Czechoslovakia was liberated from the Nazis in May 1945, however the gradual Sovietization and the dominance of the Communist party took place in the country. The Communists completed the takeover in February 1948 and the period of their totalitarian regime lasted for more than four decades. After the takeover, thousands of Czechs and Slovaks (up to 300 000 between 1948-1989), who sought the return of freedom and democracy to their homeland, left.  Come learn about their story from Dr. Nekola…

Born in the County of Norfolk, England in 1928, Mick Dawson left Litcham Secondary Modern School at the age of 14, December 1942. A wartime airfield for the American Army Air Force was under construction nearby and Mick got a job with the electrical contractor there as an apprentice. The 392nd BG group with their B-24s occupied the base from August 1943 to the end of the War in Europe. During that time Mick had a front row seat to…