Hangar #1 was originally built to accommodate SBD Dauntless dive-bombers during World War II.
The facility was deactivated by the Navy in 1946 and transferred to the Cape May County government.
The building is constructed primarily of wood rather than steel, a common resource-saving measure during the war effort.
The hangar features massive sliding doors that were designed to fit the wingspans of mid-century naval aircraft.
The site served as a vital training ground for pilots flying F6F Hellcats.
It is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, marking it as a property of exceptional national importance.
The museum houses a restored TBM Avenger torpedo bomber.
Volunteers maintain a collection of vintage flight manuals and naval pilot logs onsite.
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum occupies Hangar #1, a sprawling wooden structure built in 1943 to train dive-bomber pilots during World War II. It currently serves as a National Historic Landmark dedicated to aviation history and the role of the Wildwood base in the Pacific and Atlantic theaters. The museum houses a collection of vintage aircraft, engines, and military memorabilia spanning several decades of aviation technology. The interior retains the original 92,000-square-foot hangar layout, emphasizing the industrial scale required for wartime air operations. Interactive exhibits include flight simulators and displays detailing the training of Hellcat pilots. The museum actively preserves the operational history of the 2,000-acre Cape May Airport site. Educational programs focus on STEM aviation topics, serving as a regional hub for historical preservation.
From the center of the hangar floor looking up at the massive wooden rafters and the suspended aircraft.
Wear comfortable walking shoes to traverse the large hangar floor.
Check the official website for scheduled guest lecture dates or aviation demonstration days.
Allow extra time if visiting with children to utilize the interactive flight simulation stations.
Do not mistake the general airport arrival terminal for the museum entrance; follow signs specifically for the hangar facility.
Closed on certain weekdays during the winter season; visitors should verify seasonal hours before departure.
No climbing on or touching the aircraft unless explicitly marked as interactive.
