‘Come fly with me’ new Pan Am exhibit takes off at museum

Reflecting Pan Am’s importance to aviation in the Pacific, the upcoming exhibit at Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor will feature artifacts and memorabilia. Photo courtesy of Pacific Aviation Museum

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor’s long planned tribute to the greatness that was Pan American World Airways opens to the public with a special reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 22, marking the 75th anniversary of commercial airline passenger service to Hawaii.

The new exhibit unveiling and reception will host press, dignitaries, and members of the Pan Am and museum families. The event is free to members and invited guests and free with museum admission to regular museum guests. Cake and beverages will be served.

Reflecting Pan Am’s importance to aviation in the Pacific, the exhibit, designed by Southern Custom Exhibits of Anniston, Ala. and built by museum staff, will feature artifacts and memorabilia in two modules: the 1930s and 1940s (“the early years”) and 1960s, (“the jet age”). It was designed to be an evolving exhibit that changes and grows as more artifacts are contributed by friends of Pan Am.

“We have collected original Pan Am branded items to be viewed in what appears to be the inside cabin of an airliner. It’s a fun concept and an exciting addition to our history of aviation in the Pacific. We’re grateful to all those who helped make it possible,” said Kenneth DeHoff executive director.

Included will be uniforms, customer service items, original posters and signage, navigation tools, the maintenance manual for the Boeing 314 China Clipper, maps for routes serviced in the islands, and biographical information on the founders and pioneers of international air service Juan Trippe, Charles Lindbergh and Edward Musick.

For more information and tickets, call 441-1000 or visit www.PacificAviationMuseu m.org