Aviation Enthusiasts: Glenn L. Martin Aviation Museum in Baltimore

The Glenn L. Martin Aviation Museum in Baltimore, Maryland, is a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts of all ages. The museum is located at Martin State Airport and features over 30 aircraft, including several designed and built by the Glenn L. Martin Company.

The museum is named after Glenn Luther Martin, a pioneer in the aviation industry. Martin founded the Glenn L. Martin Company in 1912, and the company produced some of the most iconic aircraft of the 20th century, including the Martin B-29 bomber, the Martin PBM Mariner flying boat, and the Martin M-130 China Clipper flying ship.

The museum’s collection of aircraft includes both military and civilian aircraft. Some of the highlights of the collection include:

• Martin B-29 bomber: The B-29 was the most sophisticated bomber of its era and was essential to the Allies winning World War II. One B-29, known as the “Enola Gay,” is on exhibit in the museum. The atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, by the Enola Gay in 1945.
• Martin PBM Mariner flying boat: The PBM Mariner was a long-range patrol bomber that the US Navy used during World War II and the Korean War. The museum displays one PBM Mariner, the “Martin Mars.” The Martin Mars is the largest flying boat ever built and can still fly.
• Martin M-130 China Clipper flying boat: The M-130 China Clipper was a commercial flying boat that operated transpacific flights from San Francisco to China in the 1930s and 1940s. The museum displays one M-130 China Clipper, the “Hawaii Clipper.” The Hawaii Clipper was the first aircraft to fly worldwide on a commercial flight.

In addition to its collection of aircraft, the Glenn L. Martin Aviation Museum also has a variety of exhibits on the history of aviation. The presentations cover topics such as the early days of aviation, the development of military and commercial aircraft, and the role of aviation in space exploration.

For visitors of all ages, the museum also provides a variety of educational events. These activities include kid-friendly summer camps, workshops on aviation-related subjects, and guided tours of the museum’s exhibits.

Here are a few tips for planning a visit to the Glenn L. Martin Aviation Museum:

• Check the museum’s website: The museum’s website has information about the museum’s hours of operation, admission fees, and upcoming events.
• Arrive early: The museum can get crowded, especially on weekends. If you want to avoid the crowds, arrive early.
• Please wear comfortable shoes: The museum is large and has a lot to see, so it’s essential to wear comfortable shoes.
• Bring a camera: You’ll want to capture the memories of your visit with plenty of photos.
• Take your time: There is a lot to see and do at the museum, so take your time and enjoy the experience.

No matter your interest in aviation, you will surely enjoy visiting the Glenn L. Martin Aviation Museum. The museum’s collection of aircraft, exhibits, and educational programs offer something for everyone.