2026 Exhibitions
March 12 – December 31
Free with paid admission to the museum
EMERGENCY! The First Responders of Grissom AFB
Dive deeper into the story with the GAM’s 2026 exhibits!
 
The high-flying pilots and the supersonic planes of the Grissom Air Force Base have always captured the public’s imagination. But without the support personnel, the story of these airborne daredevils would never have happened.
 
Among these unsung heroes are the first responders of the Air Base – fire, police, and medics were on hand to keep the base safe from threats internal and external. The stories of the men and women who took these risks are now coming to light in our newest exhibit, featuring photos, artifacts, and more that will on display for the first time.
 
This exhibit will run through December 31 and is available during our regular business hours.
Dive deeper into the story with the GAM’s 2026 exhibits!
 
In the late 1950s, the recently commissioned Bunker Hill Air Force Base became home to the only Strategic Air Command base in Indiana. Going by the motto, “Peace is Our Profession,” the SAC’s role in airborne defense of the U.S. during the Cold War was paramount. Keeping an eye on the sky, the B-47s and B-58s of the SAC became symbolic of America’s deterrence policy.
 
By the 1970s, the SAC division at the newly named Grissom AFB shifted their focus towards support roles and soon the KC-135 became their primary aircraft. Although not as flashy as the supersonic years, the 305th Refueling Wing was important to the mission of SAC. Their stories and work are now in the spotlight with our newest exhibit. Guests will learn how the 305th worked to support the SAC’s flight operations and it’s impact on the base.
 
Peace was Their Profession will remain on display through 2027.
Dive deeper into the story with the GAM’s 2026 exhibits!
 
Nestled deep in the collections of the GAM are a plethora of munitions from nearly 80 years of military history. Safe and deactivated, these pieces of our past have not yet had their chance in the sun. But in 2026, that is about to change. From the AIM 7 Sparrow to the 50 caliber dummy rounds, guests will learn how our military have used munitions to ensure America’s freedom.
 
Included in this exhibit will be a never-before-displayed gunner’s camera from World War II and a chance for you to see if you can tell friend from foe. The fire power on display showcases how America’s military was ready for anything.
 
Freedom’s Fire Power will remain on display through 2027.
Dive deeper into the story with the GAM’s 2026 exhibits!
 
Since the 1940s, thousands of men and women passed through what is now known as Grissom Air Reserve Base. From high-flying pilots to hard-working secretaries, they have been on the front line of a world at war and peace. Their stories, often relegated to family tales, now take their turn in the spotlight with our annual “Faces of Grissom” display.
 
In 2026, four new stories will be explored through artifacts and photos.
 
Kermit Kessel Harmon was a heavy equipment mechanic for the base in the 1950s, where he was instrumental in keeping the 12,501-foot-long runway cleared even in the depths of a brutal Hoosier winter.
 
James Seidle, a Marine and Airman, served with 72nd Air Refueling Squadron, which is part of the 434th Refueling wing. He would later be deployed during Operation Desert Shield.
 
Dorothy “Dot” & Theodore Wells is our first married couple where both partners worked at the base at the same time. Theodore was a career miliary man, having served in the Air Force, Army, and Navy and carried many titles here at Grissom, including Base Personal Director. Dorothy was volunteer with the Red Cross and aided the GAFB community during the couple’s time in Peru.
 
The Faces of Grissom will remain on display through December 31.

After two years, “Supersonic,” our B-58 exhibit is getting a refresh for 2026. This year, we’ll introduce you to the men of the 305th Bombardment Wing and their counterpart, the 43rd from Little Rock Air Force Base. From roles to brotherhood, guests will have a chance to see the faces and places that put this supersonic plane on the map.

 

This edition of Supersonic will remain on display through 2027.

Hoosier-born pilot Gus Grissom never set out to make history, but he did in 1959 when he became among the first men to take to the stars in the newly form Project Mercury. A year later, President John F Kennedy declared the US would be on the moon by the end of the 1960s. Grissom would contribute greatly to the success of this goal as he moved from Mercury to Gemini to Apollo.
 
After his death in 1967, tributes to Gus and his exceptional career poured in. The following year, Bunker Hill AFB would be renamed in his honor. But the story of Gus isn’t just in his death or his namesakes. “Namesake” dives into Gus’ story and the extraordinary opportunity he took with both hands.
 
This version of Namesake will remain on display through 2027.

Looking for additional stories?  Be sure to check out:

·         Vigilance and Might: The Story of the 434th

·         Ballooning Bravery: The Story of Gen. William E. Kepner (Kepner Gallery)

·         A Few Good Men and Women: Honoring the Volunteers of the GAM

A black and white outline of two of the GAM's planes overlaid with "A is for Aeroplane: An Interactive Art Exhibit"
A is for Aeroplane Art Exhibit

June 1 – August 31

Free with paid admission to the museum

About This Exhibit

Explore our planes like you’ve never seen them before!

 

Fourteen of our planes have been chosen by the public to have their photos converted into interactive coloring pages.  Pick a marker, color pencil, or crayon to let your imagination fly in this special community-based art exhibit!

 

And we haven’t forgotten our littlest guests!  Four age-appropriate panels will be hung at toddler level so they can join in on the fun, too!

A picture of the "Passionate Paulette" nose art on the GAM's B-25 Mitchell and the words "Airborne Art: Juried Art Show"
Airborne Art: A Juried Art Show

Submission Period: Sept. 1 – 15

Juried Exhibition: Sept. 18 – 20, 

Artists Reception:  Sept. 20 at 2:00 p.m.

Winners’ Showcase: Oct 1. – Dec. 31

 

Both exhibitions are free with paid admission to the museum while the reception is free.

About This Exhibit

The Grissom Air Museum’s juried art show for high schoolers returns in 2026 with a new look, a new title, and a new approach! 

 

Artists are invited to submit a piece for our Airborne Art show, focused on the 2026 theme – Airplane Nose Art.

 

These original pieces of art will be on display at the museum for one weekend only, September 18 – 20.  Guests will be able to view the art during regular business hours and meet our artists during the exhibition reception at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 20.  While the exhibition is free with paid admission to the museum, the reception is free to the public.

Then join us in the last quarter of the year as we display the Winners’ Showcase in the Hall of Honor hallway!

Airborne Art is open to public, private, parochial, and home schooled juniors and seniors (as of 2026-2027 school year) residing or attending school in Miami, Howard, Cass, Wabash, Fulton, and Grant counties.

Art submissions must be 2D and prepared to hang (framed canvas or framed paper).  Accepted mediums include acrylic, watercolor, pastels, pen & ink,  pencil, and digital art. AI art will not be accepted and any artist suspected of using AI will be immediately disqualified.

Pieces must be dropped off at the museum between September 1 and 15, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and all pieces must be accompanied by the submission form (to be released in August).

Prize packages will be announced in May.

Sponsorships are now available for Airborne Art and interested parties should contact Rhiannon Cizon at director (at) grissomairmuseum.com to learn more!

Flags of Valor

Memorial Day Display: May 15 – 31

Veterans Day Display: Nov. 1 – 15

Free with paid admission to the museum

Visit here to rent your flag!

About This Display

In 2026, the Grissom Air Museum will honor the 250th anniversary of the United States and the memory of those who gave the greatest sacrifice to preserve our democracy. 

 

Join us for our inaugural Flags of Valor display inside the air park, where dozens of American flags will feature the name of veterans from Indiana and beyond.

 

The Memorial Day display will run from May 15 through May 30 during regular business hours and is included with your admission to the museum.

The public can rent a flag during the display’s run(s) to honor a veteran in their life. Each flag will include a tag listing the veteran’s name, branch, rank (if known), and donor. They will then be displayed in formation inside the museum’s air park during the dates listed below.

 

The May FOV event will run from May 15 to 31 and will be accessible during regular business hours. The purchase period will run from April 1 to May 5.

 

The November FOV will run from November 1 to 15 and will be accessible during regular business hours. The purchase period will run from September 26 to October 22.

 

The flag rental is $25.00 per flag and those wishing to have their honoree showcased in both May and November, it is $40.00 per flag. This event is open to anyone who wishes to participate and interested parties can purchase their rental online, over the phone, or in-person at the museum during the purchase period. All flag rental purchases come with one (1) free admission ticket to the museum to be used during the display’s run. 

In Plane Sight Scavenger Hunt

July 1 – 31

Ages 10 and older

Free with paid admission to the museum

About This Event

Do you have what it takes to spot a plane?  Then be sure to pick up our “In Plane Sight” scavenger hunt worksheet when you visit the museum between July 1 and July 31.  Twelve (small) model planes from our vast collections are hidden inside the museum waiting to be found.  Fill out the worksheet to get a sticker – get all twelve right to pick a prize from our prize box.

 

Want to rack up your wins?  Submit your completed and correct worksheet to win a prize package!  One winning worksheet will be chosen at random to win a hat, shirt, and a GAM individual member – a value of $100!

 

The scavenger hunt is free with paid admission to the museum and designed for guests ages 10 years and older, although younger visitors should be able to participate with help from an older sibling or adult.

Warbird Cruise-in

Saturday, August 1

Vehicle Registration: 7:30 a. m. to 9:30 a.m., $20.00 per vehicle

Cruise-in: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., $5.00 donation, children 12 and under free

Awards: 2:00 p.m.

Click here for vendor & sponsorship registration

About This Event
Join the GAM and transportation lovers from around the region for our annual Warbird Cruise-in on August 1st!
 
Set against the backdrop of our gorgeous aircraft collection, cars, trucks, motorcycles and more from around the state and beyond will be on display. In addition to the amazing array of vehicles, guests can enjoy the museum, a great food truck line up, activities for children, a 50/50 raffle, and NEW in 2026, a vendor alley & swap meet.
Vehicle Registration for 2026 is as follows:
  • Registration fees are $20.00 per vehicle & (includes everyone in the vehicle); can be paid via cash or credit card.
  • Day-of registration only and gates open at 7:30 a.m. and close at 9:30 a.m. No vehicles will be admitted before or after these times.
  • First 250 vehicles will receive an America 250-themed dash plaque
  • Cars, trucks, motorcycles, and similar vehicles welcomed to participate
  • Classes, prizes, and awards will be announced in late June.

Vendor Registration Fees are as follows for 2026:

  • Pre-registration required for all vendors in 2026, including swap meet participants and will close on July 5th.
  • Food trucks (up to 30 feet) and and food booths (10′ x 10′): $75.00
  • Craft/ Merchandise/ Business & NPO booths (10′ x 10′): $45.00
  • Swap Meet booths (10′ x 20′): $40.00

Additional booths can be purchased by a vendor if more space is needed and up to 3 spots are available per vendor.  No generators will be allowed at this year’s event, however limited eletric and water options are available (see registration form).

Sponsorships Registration for 2026 is as follows:

  • Clutch Level: $100
    • 1 Thank you post on Facebook/ Instagram
    • Name only on website, Facebook page, and on event shirt
    • Free 10’x10′ Booth
    • Public thank you at event
  • Horsepower Level: $250.00
    • 3 Thank you posts on Facebook/ Instagram
    • 1 Event shirt
    • Name on website, Facebook page, all print/digital media, and event shirt
    • Free 10’x10′ Booth
    • Public thank you at event
  • Supersonic Level: $500.00
    • 5 Thank you posts on Facebook/ Instagram
    • 2 Event shirts
    • Logo on website, all print/ digital media, signage, and event shirt while name will be listed on Facebook event page
    • Free 10’x10′ Booth
    • Public thank you at event
  • Presenting Level: $1,000 (only one 1 available)
    • 7 Thank you posts on Facebook/ Instagram
    • 5 Event shirts
    • Listed as presenting sponsor in all media, including on event shirt
    • Free 10’x10′ Booth
    • Public thank you at event
    • Opportunity to contribute to prize packages

 

To register as a sponsor, register using the link above or call 765-689-8011 to speak with our director.

434th Refueling Wing badge with four arrows, castle wall, and air force star in the middle.
Grissom ARB Air & Space Expo

August 29 & 30, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Grissom Air Reserve Base

The GAM is not affiliated with the Air and Space Expo.  Please direct questions to the GARB Public Affairs office at 765-688-3348 or visit their website.

 

Visit here to reserve your RV/ Camper spot for Air Show Weekend.

About This Event

The Grissom Air Reserve Base is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. in style with its first air and space expo since 2019!  Headlined by the world-famous Thunderbirds, guests will be thrilled by civilian and military acts from around the country.  Guests will also enjoy a wide range of vendors and displays in the expo area, exploring STEM, space, and more!

 

For more information about the Air and Space Expo, visit the website linked above.

The Grissom Air Museum is joining in on the fun with a special and unique fundraiser to support our general funds!

We will be providing special RV parking in the museum’s western field all weekend, with sixty-eight (68) 20′ W x 50′ L spots for $200.00 each.  In addition to being within walking distance of the Air & Space Expo’s entrance, guests can also take advanage of the greens and goodies of Leaning Tree Golf Course and Grill right next door!  As the field sits at the end of the base’s tarmac, those parked at the museum will be able to see the performers banking overhead!  View of the performance area is not available from the field.  Your reservation also includes:

  • Two nights guaranteed, with a third night available for a discount
    • Parking is on grass and no electric or water hookups will be available
  • Free admission tickets for everyone in your party to the Grissom Air Museum, which can be used that weekend OR later in the year
    • All 2026 admission tickets expire on December 31, 2026
    • Please indicate the number needed at check out
  • Easy access to the special Thunderbirds Block Party at the museum on Friday, August 28 (5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.)
    • Food and drink will be available for sale from local vendors
    • Get a chance to meet the Thunderbird’s talented flight-team
    • Enjoy music and dancing
    • Explore the museum and even do a little shopping
    • Join us for a special ribbon cutting to celebrate the GAM’s newest addition and learn more about its future
  • Additional goodies from local companies!

Guests are also welcome to bring their pets, provided they remain on a leash or lead at all times and are picked up afterwards.  Any animals, regardless of their service status, that are disruptive will need to be removed.

Registration is now open and will remain available until all spots are taken or its closure on August 21, 2026.  Questions should be directed to director (at) grissomairmuseum.com

Looking for Air Show swag?  Forgot your sunscreen?  Really want a momento of the day?  The GAM will be hosting a pop-up market at this year’s Expo, where you can purchase a wide variety of goods that will make your experience all the better!

 

Air & Space Expo and GAM shirts will be available for pre-sale and can be picked up at the event or mailed after September 1st to the location of your choice.  More information to come.

Marble Background with a golden key and the words "Hoosier Aviation Escape Room" overlaid
Hoosier Aviation Escape Room

October 2026

More information to come!

About This Event

Aimed at audiences 13 years and older, guests will have a chance to see if they have what it takes to solve a sky-high mystery!  Based on aviation pioneers from right here in Indiana, this escape room is the perfect opportunity for families, groups of friends, or even individuals.  Additional information to come.

 

This kit was produced and made available by the Indiana State Library.

Registration for this event will open in September.

Evergreens and berries overlaid with the words "Sleighs Away Holiday Open House"
Sleighs Away Holiday Open House

December 2026

Free to the public

More information to come!

About this Event

Kick off the holiday season with the Grissom Air Museum!  Join us for our Sleighs Away Holiday Open House.  You’ll enjoy a wide variety of activities, music, holiday vendors for a little shopping, a holiday treat bar, and more!

 

The full schedule will be available in October.

Vendor information and registration will be available in October.

Volunteer registration and information will be available in September.