March 2024
Fly Back in Time – Phoenix Airport Museum
March is Phoenix History Month, as declared by Mayor Kate Gallego in 2023, and air travel development is a major contributor to our city’s past. In the 1920s, there were four airports in the Valley of the Sun. Phoenix Sky Harbor opened in 1928 and was a much more rural area back then, so rural in fact that early pilots would buzz the dirt runways just to clear the cows before attempting a landing. In the early 1930s, Phoenix Sky Harbor became a destination wedding choice all its own with an adobe chapel right off the runway.
The Phoenix Airport Museum presents numerous history displays all over the Phoenix airport system. These displays offer countless opportunities to learn more about the bygone days of Phoenix and its notable residents throughout the years including WWII Tuskegee Airmen. Visitors can view an original WWI biplane, stylish 1960s flight attendant uniforms and more.
At the Rental Car Center, view the iconic 75-foot-wide Phoenix mural along with a display about the artist and of his techniques. Venture down the hallways and see more exhibitions including Phoenix’s transportation history and the city’s culturally rich Golden Gate neighborhood - Barrios Unidos.
Visit the airport to celebrate Phoenix History Month and explore the terminals, the Rental Car Center and even Goodyear and Deer Valley airports. Navigate the exhibitions and see what’s nearby by downloading a FREE Phoenix Airport Museum History Guide. Just scan the QR code or follow the link to enjoy the comprehensive guide from home or while visiting the airport. You don’t need a plane ticket to fly back in time. https://www.skyharbor.com/media/zhrdgipf/history-guide-final.pdf.