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The Empire State Aerosciences Museum (ESAM) was established in 1984 as a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, chartered by the NY State Department of Education. The museum occupies 9 buildings and 27 acres of land on the western perimeter of the Schenectady County Airport, opposite from the Stratton Air National Guard base. It is an ideal environment to tell the story of aviation. The mission of the Empire State Aerosciences Museum is: “TO INTERPRET AVIATION, PARTICULARLY THAT RELATED TO NEW YORK STATE, WITH EXHIBITS AND PROGRAMS WHICH EDUCATE, ENTERTAIN AND EXCITE THE PUBLIC.” The value of our Aerosciences Museum to the Capital Region is that it: Stimulates interest in aviation, particularly of NYS, for residents & visitors of all ages; Provides a repository for historical artifacts, documents & aircraft; Assists schools through exposing students to aviation technology and career opportunities; and Provides space for meetings for aviation advocates and other groups.

Exhibits

Outside, the Museum has an extensive collection of aircraft, including:

Bell UH-1 Iroqouis, Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, Douglas F3-D Skyknight, Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog, Grumman A-6E Intruder, Grumman F-14 Tomcat, Grumman S-2 Tracker, McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom, McDonnell F-101B/F Voodoo, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 , Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 Fresco, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Fishbed, North American RA-5C Vigilante, North American T-2 Buckeye, Northrop F-5E Tiger, Republic F-84F Thunderstreak, Republic F-105G Thunderchief, Supermarine Scimitar and Vought A-7E Corsair

The main galleries contain some of the more fragile aircraft, detailed models, dioramas, historical artifacts and memorabilia, and photographic displays. A sampling of the exhibits are the recently completed lunar landing and arctic exploration exhibits; the DePischoff "flying motorcycle"; the Amelia Earhart Exhibit, and a 32' scale model of the Japanese aircraft carrier "Akagi." The Museum also contains some hands-on exhibits including a mock-up of a 1910 Von Pomer airplane, electronic "spotter" aircraft identification, and a Simulated Reality Vehicle (SRV), which treats occupants to a video and “ride” that makes them feel as if they are part of the action. The Restoration Center houses aircraft in various stages of restoration. In addition, the museum boasts the most extensive aviation library in the state, with a wealth of publications, aviation art, and aviation records.

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