PORTAGE, Mich. (WOOD) — Aviation enthusiasts have enjoyed the Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum for decades. This Monday marks the 45th anniversary.
The center was founded by Suzanne and Pete Delano-Parish. Their passion for collecting historic aircrafts led to the establishment of the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum in 1979. Soon after, the museum became known as the Air Zoo, a nod to the unique collection of aircraft with animal-inspired names.
Today, the 200,000 square-foot facility is one of Southwest Michigan’s most sought-after science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics education resources.
“We really want to make sure that we’re positioning ourselves to be the community’s most valuable educational resource outside of the schools and outside of the libraries. We can come here, have a good time as a family, and maybe learn something along the way about aerospace, aviation, or just history in general of the United States and the world,” said Michael Martin, director of experience fulfillment at the Air Zoo.