The acronym MAPS stands for Military Aviation Preservation Society.
The museum is housed in a former World War II-era hangar relocated from a nearby naval air station.
The facility features a rare example of a Vought F4U-1 Corsair in its restoration bay.
Volunteers maintain a dedicated restoration hangar where visitors can observe the active maintenance of historic airframes.
The museum grounds include an outdoor memorial park honoring local veterans from all branches of the military.
The MAPS Air Museum, located at the Akron-Canton Airport, preserves military aviation history through an extensive collection of over 50 historic aircraft. The facility operates as an educational non-profit organization dedicated to honoring the contributions of those who served in the armed forces. Visitors can explore two large indoor hangars housing diverse exhibits ranging from vintage biplanes to Cold War-era jets. The collection includes significant artifacts like the F-14 Tomcat and the AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter. Beyond aircraft, the museum features extensive displays of military uniforms, engines, and personal memorabilia from various global conflicts. Docents, many of whom are military veterans, provide guided walkthroughs and technical insights into the mechanical restoration processes. The museum also maintains a library and archive dedicated to aviation research.
The main hangar floor provides wide-angle perspectives of the F-14 Tomcat flanked by smaller fighter aircraft.
Speak with the volunteer docents, as many are retired pilots or engineers with direct experience flying the aircraft on display.
Check the museum's schedule for 'Open Cockpit' days, which allow visitors closer access to select aircraft.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the hangar floor is concrete and the exhibit area is expansive.
Do not attempt to walk from the main terminal; the museum is located on the opposite side of the airfield and requires a short drive.
Closed on Mondays. Open daily Tuesday through Sunday.
