Glenn Curtiss held the title of 'Fastest Man on Earth' in 1907 after reaching 136.3 mph on a V8-powered motorcycle.
The museum holds the archives and tools used by the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company, one of the world's largest aircraft manufacturers during World War I.
Hammondsport is often cited as the Cradle of Aviation because of the local trials conducted by the Aerial Experiment Association.
The museum collection includes a rare collection of pre-1920s motorcycles that highlight the transition from bicycle frames to internal combustion power.
The 1908 June Bug, featured in the museum, was the first aircraft to win a major aviation prize in the U.S. by flying over a kilometer in a straight line.
The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum is located in Hammondsport, New York, and focuses on the life and legacy of aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss. The collection features an extensive array of early-20th-century aircraft, including restored Curtiss biplanes. Beyond aviation, the museum maintains a significant assembly of vintage motorcycles and engines, reflecting Curtiss's early career in speed record-setting. The facility serves as the regional repository for history concerning the Finger Lakes area, including local viticulture and boat building industries. Visitors can view a reproduction of the 1908 'June Bug' aircraft, which made the first officially recognized pre-announced flight in the United States. The museum floor displays a chronological progression of technology from the early days of flight to modern aeronautical developments. Interactive exhibits provide context regarding Curtiss's involvement in the development of the seaplane. The museum is housed in a modern, climate-controlled facility designed to accommodate large aircraft wingspans.
The elevated viewing platform that allows for a panoramic shot of the main hangar floor and the hanging aircraft display.
Use the museum's specialized research library if you have a specific interest in aeronautical engineering history.
Check the event calendar for scheduled 'living history' days where engines are periodically started for demonstrations.
Dedicate time to the local history section, which details the profound impact of the Curtiss family on the Finger Lakes economy.
Rushing through the vintage motorcycle section, which contains rare pieces of engineering history often overlooked by visitors heading straight for the aircraft.
Open year-round, but operates on reduced seasonal days during the winter months.
