Background Information

The North Atlantic Aviation Museum is one of Gander's newest treasures and is a result of many years of hard work and dedication. Gander's aviation past has been its biggest achievement and a major generator of income, employment, and tourism throughout the years. The museum is a time capsule that preserves artifacts and presents important historical aviation moments. The physical layout of the museum is in chronological order beginning with the war years and creation of the airport, through to commercial flying and technological advances.

The North Atlantic Aviation Museum association was founded in January 1985, and was set up in order to raise funds to eventually build a museum which would showcase Gander's involvement in the development of aviation over the North Atlantic. Helped by a generous donation of land by the Town of Gander in 1992, and contributions by ACOA and Enterprise Newfoundland and Labrador, along with numerous fundraisers and benefits, construction began in earnest in early 1995, and the museum was opened to the public in July 1996. The time frame which the museum covers is from the first clearing of the local forest in 1936 through the massive development during the war years, through the jet age to the present. 

The North Atlantic Aviation Museum is located on the Trans Canada Highway in Gander, between the Tourist Chalet and the James Paton Memorial Hospital. (Look for the building with the 4 aircraft out front, and a DC-3 tail above the front door.)  The museum is open year-round. Hours of operation are 9am-9pm late June through Labor Day and 9am-5pm during the rest of the year. Appointments can be made to view the museum at other times.  The museum is wheelchair accessible.  Admission costs can be found on the right margin of the home page.

Government support has been critical to establishing and maintaining the North Atlantic Aviation Museum. The Museum was officially opened in July of 1996.