Who We Are

The Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum (DVHAA) is a non-profit, 501(c)3, all volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation and display of aviation history. Our members work year-round in the following areas:

• Aircraft Restoration
• Museum Operations
• Library Support
• Gift Shop Operations
• Event planning and Fund Raising Programs
• Membership Services
• Administration

How to Join

There are no prerequisites to join, except perhaps a desire to preserve aviation history for future generations. Don't worry if you haven't worked on aircraft before, we have plenty of people to show you the ropes if you're willing to learn. There are also other areas where members can use their talents to help with our mission. To join simply return a completed Membership Form to the office with the appropriate dues or call us.

 
Our History

The tradition of displaying historic aircraft at Willow Grove began shortly after World War II. In 1946, when a group of naval officers led by Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) David Ascher rescued axis and allied aircraft from the scrap yard and assembled them into a display along US Route 611, located in Horsham, Pennsylvania. The display came to be known as the Ascher Collection.

The weather took its toll, and in time, most of the original collection was transferred to facilities where they could be placed in environmentally controlled storage, and expertly preserved for future generations to appreciate. Even as aircraft were transferred to other places, new aircraft were being added to our collection. Concern for the upkeep of these aircraft grew and a new group of naval reservists stepped forward to take the job. In 1972 they formed the Willow Grove Historical Aircraft Association.

In the decade that followed, the membership and activity of the association grew enormously. In 1985 the Willow Grove Historical Aircraft Association reorganized with the goal of building a museum to house our collection of aircraft and aviation-themed artifacts. In 1985 the name was changed to the Delaware Valley Historical Aircraft Association to reflect this broader scope of the association's goals.

With the support of the community, the Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum was able to erect a restoration hangar in 2000, suitable for working year-around on several aircraft projects at a time. After successfully seeking financial support and with the help of enthusiasts like you we opened our museum in 2001.

We look forward to continuing to participate in the community and preserving aviation history for future generations.