MISSION:
We explore and celebrate the generational impact of commercial aviation by bringing together resources, experiences, and community.
VALUES:
Welcome – We embody the encouraging and positive environment that has always been part of our story.
Preserve – Both the history and future of the industry.
Educate – Learning comes in all forms, at all ages, in many methods. We encourage curiosity, exploration, discovery, and dreaming.
Connect – Just as air travel brings people together, we create spaces for those connections to happen.
Inspire – Flight shows us anything is possible.
ABOUT:
The Northwest Airlines History Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2002 by Henry V. “Pete” Patzke – a Northwest Airlines and NWA Federal Credit Union executive, and developed and run with an all-volunteer crew. The History Center has a public museum located on the third floor of the Crowne Plaza AiRE MSP Hotel, near the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in Bloomington, MN, as well as a large and growing archive located at Flying Cloud Airport in Eden Prairie, MN.
As an interim growth step, we are exploring opportunities to add simulators, gate and cabin environments, and bigger displays (as well as retail space) in a major Twin Cities metro-area shopping complex in the next few years – this would help us connect with a bigger audience and be able to offer unique aviation-related experiences.
Our long-term goal is to build a permanent museum – ideally at Flying Cloud Airport – to house full-size airliners and airport gear; classrooms and workshops; event and performance space; all our archival resources; and a fine-dining restaurant overlooking the Minnesota River Valley. If our funding and developments are successful we would be looking at opening this signature facility in the late 2020s – early 2030s. Visit the Join Us page to learn how you can become a member and financially support our growth!
MUSEUM HOURS at the Crowne Plaza Aire:
For March 2025: Fridays, 11 am – 5 pm
Park for free in the attached ramp on the uppermost levels – use the designated “Hotel Parking” spaces only.
Please refer to our tips on navigating the building to get to the 3rd floor, and special note for visitors with special mobility needs.
ADMISSION:
FREE!
Your donations are greatly appreciated.
FOOD:
The Crowne Plaza Aire Hotel has a coffee stand near the front desk, and a restaurant, the AiRECraft Grill.
STAFF:
- Chairman: Mike Vetter
- Vice Chair: Scott Norris
- Secretary: Tim Haskin
- Treasurer: Gene Peterson
- Museum Manager: Tim Haskin
- Collections Manager: Bruce Kitt
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
- Jeff Schwalen
- Mike Vetter
- Scott Norris
- Kimm Viebrock
- Tim Haskin
- Jayne Stenstad
- Ronn Lehmann
- Gene Peterson
Directors serve fixed terms, and we are always interested in adding new skills and experience to our team. If you are interested in joining us at this level, please click on this link to learn more!
YOUR FINANCIAL GIFT:
Contributing funds to our organization is easy – and we send you confirmations so you can claim donations on your taxes. Just click here to go to our donation page where you can pledge any amount – every dollar counts!
