The MAPS Air Museum is one of our area’s not-so-hidden gems. Located just west of the Akron-Canton Airport, it houses the collection of the Military Aviation Preservation Society (MAPS), a non-profit organization dedicated to educating people about the history of military aviation.
The museum contains a diverse collection of aircraft and memorabilia from throughout aviation history. Aircraft are located both inside and outside the museum, and offer an up-close view to visitors, along with information about where and when the aircraft were used. Display aircraft include an F-14B Tomcat, an F4-S Phantom, an A-7E Corsair II, a MiG-17 Fresco, and several more. You can also go inside a Goodyear Blimp gondola to see where the passengers sit and how the pilot controls the giant blimp!
Also on display is the Martin Monoplane, in which Canton native Almina Martin became the first woman in the world to pilot a heavier-than-air aircraft in 1909. She and her husband built the plane right here in Stark County, and it was on display in the Smithsonian Museum before coming to the MAPS Museum–a very cool piece of Stark County history that I never really knew about!
Of course, airplanes don’t fly themselves, so there are also displays telling about the many men and women who flew in and worked on these impressive aircraft. There are exhibits about Pearl Harbor, the Tuskegee Airmen, and Rosie the Riveter, along with other more personal displays featuring the memorabilia of individuals.
The MAPS organization does more than just operate the museum: they are active in preserving numerous other aircraft, many of which will be on display at the museum in the future. Members and volunteers also lead tours, answer questions, and conduct special programming for visitors. The hangar and hall are also available to rent for special occasions.
The Maps Air Museum is located at 2260 International Parkway, North Canton, Ohio 44720. It is open Tuesday-Sunday. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors (60+), $5 for ages 6-12, and Free for kids under 6.
As a bonus Sisters Shopping on a Shoestring is giving away a Family 4pack Admission to MAPS- Click HERE to ENTER!
