The New England Air Museum is owned and operated by the Connecticut Aeronautical Historical Association, a private, non-profit educational institution organized in 1959. Located at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, the Museum is the largest aviation museum in New England. This educational organization is dedicated to preserving and presenting historically signifi cant aircraft and related artifacts, engaging visitors through high-quality exhibits helping them to understand aviation technology and history and inspiring students through innovative and hands-on educational programs. The Museum is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and run by four (4) full-time employees, four (4) part-time employees, and over 175 volunteers.

Today, the Museum houses one of the world’s most outstanding collections of historic aviation artifacts;
more than 80 aircraft and an extensive collection of engines, instruments, aircraft parts, uniforms and personal memorabilia. Within this collection are the last remaining four-engine American flying boat, the Sikorsky VS-44A, donated by its previous owner, actress Maureen O’Hara and restored to original condition; a B-29 Bomber; the Silas Brooks Balloon Basket (1870), the oldest surviving aircraft in the United States; the Bunce-Curtiss Pusher (1912), the oldest surviving Connecticut-built airplane; the Sikorsky S-39, the oldest surviving Sikorsky aircraft; and a Kaman K-225 helicopter, the oldest surviving Kaman-built aircraft.

What began in 1741 as a 36 acre farmstead has evolved into a diverse and thriving business, one of the most popular family and recreational destinations in Connecticut and beyond. Now in its 8th generation of ownership, Lyman Orchards remains a family-owned and operated business, existing on 1,100 acres in picturesque Middlefield, CT. To the Lyman family and their employees, they remain committed to preserving the land and heritage for future generations.

Founded in 1927 as the Children’s Museum of Hartford, the museum is reaffirming its mission as a catalyst for science inspiration and learning amongst children aged twelve and under. On May 10, 2006, it changed its name to The Children’s Museum, with the tag line, “Igniting Curiosity Through Science and Nature.” The Children’s Museum is the largest in the state and the fi fth oldest children’s museum in the nation. Hartford Magazine readers have consistently voted it “Best Kid’s Attraction” since the poll’s inception three years ago. The Children’s Museum is comprised of Connecticut’s largest space theater, the Gengras Planetarium; the UTC wildlife; and our wonderful nature center, Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton. It is the only children’s museum in the nation that has such a wide range of distinct science and nature-based offerings. Some of The Children’s Museum’s exciting exhibits include:

• United Technologies Wildlife Sanctuary, a habitat of over seventy exotic animals from around the world
• Kid’s Corner, the newly renamed and refurbished area for our youngest visitors
• Idea Zone, a collection of interactive and fun learning stations, including the world’s largest walk-in kaleidoscope
• Critter Crossing-a new interactive space for youngsters, aged four and under
• Turtle Town, where over twenty turtles, terrapins and tortoises live
• The region’s largest Foucault Pendulum
• The space-related Star Station One™ Gallery
• The Explore Store, where you can find that special educational memento to take home.