OPEN SATURDAY & SUNDAY from 1pm-4pm
WELCOME TO NASG MUSEUM
A GLOBAL LEGACY OF NAval AVIATION AND INNOVATION
We are a
Museum and Foundation honoring the ingenuity, accomplishments, and educational legacy of Naval Air Station Glenview and Glenview civilian aviation.
Honor
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Past
Educate
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Present
Inspire
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Future
Glenview, IL was a cradle of civilian aviation and Naval Air Station Glenview (NASG) was crucial to the defense of the United States and its allies from WWII until the air station’s closing 1995.
The legacy of NASG is one of unique resourcefulness and vision, of defying limits and achieving extraordinary goals, and of shaping national and world history. As the country faces a growing need for future scientists, engineers, pilots, and innovators, and our youth look ahead to a rapidly evolving technological future, NASG’s motto, “training, technology and readiness,” has never been more apt.
NASG HISTORY
In the 20th Century, NASG was integral to both the coming of age of aviation, and of the nation. In preserving the history of NASG, we retain a vital chapter in the story of U.S. aviation and create an opportunity to inspire future generations through their discovery of the historic accomplishments and unconventional problem solving which are the seeds of invention and progress.
From 1937 to its closure in 1995, NASG’s personnel provided unwavering protection for our country, and on a local level, engaged in a deep tradition of public service.
1920s-1930s
Glenview’s initial civilian airport, Curtiss-Reynolds (Wright), was where 1930s aviation luminaries, both men and women, tested flight equipment, pioneered aerodynamics, and thrilled huge crowds in National and International Air Races. The mammoth Curtiss hangar was shared by the Navy when Naval Reserve Aviation Base Chicago was established at the airfield in 1937.
1930s-1940s
The U. S. Navy's largest Primary Flight Training program was in place at NASG, along with the unique Carrier Qualification Training Unit where Navy pilots qualified on two ingenious retrofitted paddlewheel carriers in Lake Michigan, the USS Sable and the USS Wolverine, and then deployed to change the course of the war in the Pacific.
1940s-1950s
NASG was the U.S. HQ for Naval and Marine Reserve Aviation Training Commands, and directed training for reservists in 12 Naval Air Stations, 6 Naval Air Reserve Training Units and 5 Naval Air Reserve Divisions throughout the nation.
1950s-1970s
During the early years of the Cold War, NASG housed the world’s most advanced radar aircraft interception school, deployed squadrons in the Korean Conflict, and was the U.S. HQ for Naval Reserve Aviation's precision flight team; the Air Barons. During the Viet Nam era, NASG conducted medical evacuation missions, and was the site for repatriated personnel.
1970s-1990s
NASG served as the HQ for the lower Lake Michigan Coast Guard patrols; the U.S. HQ for Naval Reserve Aviation’s precision flight team the regional home base for the Navy’s Blue Angels precision flight team; the home base of Weekend Warriors and P-3 Orion submarine detecting squadrons which patrolled and protected both coasts; and NASG personnel flew humanitarian missions, contributed to local emergency response efforts, and engaged in community outreach including annual Air Expos. By the time NASG closed, all services — Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Army and Air Force — had facilities at NASG.
THE MUSEUM
NASG Museum is located on the eastern perimeter of the former NASG property, and is operated by the Glenview Hangar One Foundation on a 100% donation funded basis. The museum houses a multitude of artifacts chronicling the air station’s history from the pioneering years of civilian aviation, to the decades of service by members of all branches of the military who were stationed at NASG.
ARTIFACT HIGHLIGHTS
NASG Coast Guard Sikorsky helicopter, WWII TBM Avenger aircraft piston engine raised from Lake Michigan, 1960s Link trainer/simulator, carrier plane tail-hook and WWII LSO paddles, service member uniforms, photographic histories and much more!
TOURS & EVENTS
NASG Museum is located on the eastern perimeter of the former base property. We are available for groups and special events by appointment during the week. Please contact us or call us at 1-847-657-0000 for more information.
Planning for the future! The NASG museum is looking to move to an alternate, larger location to allow for the improved protection, exhibition and growth of its collection, to accommodate traveling exhibits, and eventually to house one of the NASG WWII fighter planes recovered from Lake Michigan. GHOF also aspires to serve the community with educational and veterans programming which will be more feasible in a larger site.
MUSEUM LOCATION:
2040 Lehigh Avenue, Glenview, IL 60026
PUBLIC HOURS:
Saturday & Sunday from 1pm - 4pm
HOLIDAY CLOSURE:
TBD
CONTACT:
1-847-657-0000
EDUCATION
Glenview Hangar One Foundation (GHOF) is dedicated to bringing the history of NASG and Glenview aviation alive by promoting science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning, and inspiring youth interest in flight. GHOF looks to encourage passion in youth to become self-directed critical thinkers as well as future scientists, engineers, innovators and aviators in a future of rapidly evolving technology and worldwide challenges.
WHAT YOU'LL
LEARN
Plans for the Future - Aviation Adventures! Online learning adventures for youth, which combine history and STEM learning for an impactful, fun educational experience!
Results from a recent global survey show that US students' rankings have fallen in the areas of math, science and reading, and the US now faces a severe pilot shortage. Aircraft and aerodynamics are inherently tied to STEM learning objectives in inspiring and motivating ways.
With a new, larger museum location, GHOF plans to house a STEM learning center modeled after the learning annex of the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola - the National Flight Academy (NFA).
The NFA-inspired programming at a larger NASG museum site would offer immersive, non-combat, humanitarian mission based flight planning, coordination and simulation to achieve core STEM objectives. Students will problem solve issues relating to aerodynamics, propulsion, navigation, aviation physiology, meteorology and logistics. This programming has been shown to result in multi-fold increases in state science and math testing scores.
The Foundation
With the closing of NASG in 1995, the commemoration and preservation of Glenview aviation history began with the citizen establishment of the Glenview Hangar One Foundation (GHOF), and GHOF’s activism to preserve NASG’s historically and architecturally significant Hangar One Tower. GHOF’s advocacy also contributed to the creation of the Navy Park and Gallery Park on the former site of NASG, now redeveloped into a multi-use area known as The Glen.
BOARD
Thomas FitzGibbon, President
Kirsten Bergin, Vice President, Operations
Byron Kanaley, Vice President, Finance
Jane Campbell, Secretary
Leonard Beeftink
Robert Coffin
Kris Habermehl
Nickolas Kaup
Karl Lau
Mary Long
Ed Marshall
Michael Melbinger
Joe Swiec
Ed Taicsich
ADVISORS & CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS
Robbie Abed
Alex Bergin
Irving Danneil
Beverly Dawson
Bill Dawson
Bruce Edgar
Hamzeh Pashazadeh
Ronald Shell
Nancy Stonis
Catherine Tang
GHOF MUSEUM
GHOF has kept the history and spirit of Glenview aviation alive for decades and continues to do so through its community engagement and its NASG Museum. GHOF operates on a 100% donation basis and is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) entity under the US Tax Code.
GHOF MEMBERSHIP
We are always seeking new members who can bring their ideas, participation and leadership qualities, as well as financial support, to our cause! Our membership consists of US military veterans and active US military personnel, civilians who have a connection to NASG, and those who simply have an interest in military aviation and history. For more information on membership, please see the Contact portion of this website.
How You Can Make
A Difference!
GHOF depends on its members and their support to further our mission to commemorate the historical contributions of the men and women who served at NASG. GHOF greatly appreciates donations of historical aviation related items such as aircraft, military vehicles, uniforms, scrap books, letters, photos for the museum collection.
Suggested giving levels for the greatest impact:
Gold
↓
$2,500
Silver
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$1,000
Bronze
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$500
HELP COMMEMORATE THE SERVICE, SACRIFICE AND HISTORY OF NASG!
Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated and vital to helping GHOF preserve the history and educational legacy of NASG by supporting existing museum operations and future plans for improvement and expansion. For giving via regular mail, please make check payable to and send to:
Glenview Hangar One Foundation
2040 Lehigh Avenue
Glenview, IL 60026
GHOF, a tax-exempt entity under the US Tax Code, raises funding for its mission primarily through charitable contributions (whether in the form of cash, cash equivalents, estate gifts, or assets), which are tax deductible for federal income tax purposes. Donors are encouraged to discuss any tax issues related to donations with their financial advisers, as needed.