Pearson Air Museum Events

360.694.7026
1115 E. Fifth Street
Vancouver, WA 98661

Family-friendly fun and educational opportunities occur often at Pearson Air Museum as well as the entire Fort Vancouver National Site. Below are some of the museum's recurring events.

Click to see the full event calendar.

Special Hours: Saturday, February 4, 2012 the museum will close at 3:00pm due to a private event.

Soar With Books: Toddler Storytime

First Saturday of the month at 10 a.m.

This program, under the supervision of our volunteer educator consists of a craft project and reading an aviation-themed picture book under the wings of one of our historic aircraft. Children under 6 are free. Museum admission applies to accompanying adult. Schedules are subject to change without notice.

Tuskegee Airmen Day at Pearson

January 20, 2012

Museum Open at 10am

Unveiling of the Case at 11am

Come join us in honoring the dedicated World War II aviators of the Red Tail Squadron, and the unveiling of a new display case in our museum that will celebrate their bravery and aeronautical skills. The Tuskegee Airmen were the first black military airmen that possessed a strong personal desire to serve the United States of America to the best of his ability. Earning 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 744 Air Medals, 8 Purple Hearts, 14 Bronze Stars and escorting over 15,000 missions without not even one loss, were just some of the accomplishments of the 332^nd fighter group. Guest speakers, case unveiling, and more will help you gain insight into the lives of these famed aviators of World War II.

January 27th Guest Speaker for Members Only:

E.E. Van Valkenberg (Chief Communicator Air Force 1)

Where: Tex Rankin Room at the Pearson Air Museum

When: January 27, 2012 at 7:00PM

Members of Pearson Air Museum, please come join us for our first 2012 guest speaker series with E.E. Van Valkenberg who served as Chief communicator for Air Force One and flew with six Presidents, Vice Presidents, Heads of Foreign Countries, Secretary of State, Treasury, Agriculture, and plane loads of movie stars. Van's travels have taken him to every corner of the globe including 53 times to Russia, 27 times to China, and scores of visits during very critical times in our country's history. Van also served 2 years, 3 months, and 26 days in World War II. He was involved with the Cuban Missile Crisis, the 19^thAir Force during the Santo Domingo uprising, and his Power point presentation with scores of photographs and details will definitely be one Guest Speaker you will not want to miss. This Member's only event will kick off our four part series of exciting speakers for the calendar year 2012 at Pearson Air Museum. We look forward to seeing you there! As this lecture will fill to capacity very quickly, please RSVP no later than Thurs., Jan. 26.

Silas Christofferson's 100th Anniversary Flight Celebration

June 9^th, 2012

Come celebrate the 100^th Anniversary of the daring flight made by Silas Christofferson off the roof of the Multnomah Hotel in Portland, OR. It took place during the 1912 Rose Festival where he landed here at Pearson Field. Our Flight Simulator Lab will be featuring a Curtis D Pusher that performs the same as the plane that Silas flew, and our historic hangar will have on display a special Curtis D Pusher on loan from the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM) in Hood River, Oregon. This colorful aviator's life will be celebrated in coordination with our National Park Service here at our historic site. Christofferson, who also ran an aviation school, and who founded Redwood City Airport in California in 1916, will be the star at Pearson Air Museum. Come learn about the fascinating life and times of this aviator and learn about what Pearson Field was like on National Get Outdoors Day- GO DAY! Special activities are planned so be sure to get outdoors and head over to Pearson Air Museum.

75th Anniversary Transpolar Flight Celebration

June 20, 2012

Join us in the recognition of this international event that brought worldwide recognition to the City of Vancouver, Washington. This epic flight that took place in 1937 grabbed the attention of headlines around the globe as the three famed aviators exited their Russian ANT 25 to the cheering crowds around Pearson Field.  A special breakfast will follow inside the museum after the Rose laying Ceremony at 8:22am at the special Transpolar Flight Monument next to our museum. Dignitaries from Russia, as well as special guest speakers, and Interpreters from the National Park Service, will give in depth presentations concerning this most daring and brave non-stop transpolar flight. Museum doors will open at 8:30am with breakfast served until 11:00am. Be sure to mark this historic day on your calendar, and join us for the international festivities.

Open Cockpit Day and Young Eagles Program at Pearson

May 26, 2012
August 25, 2012
Are you ready for the excitement of airplanes flying in and out of one of the oldest operating airfields in the United States? Ever wonder what is it like to sit at the controls of a North American T-28? Do you think you have what it takes to pilot an historic airplane in our new Flight Simulator Lab, and try your hand at landing on Pearson Field? If you answered yes, then it is time to come out to Pearson Air Museum, and participate in our Open Cockpit Day. You will have the opportunity to view our incredible collection of historic aircraft and climb into the cockpit of selected specialty airplanes and get a pilot's perspective from the controls. If the weather cooperates, volunteer pilots from EAA Chapter 105, will offer free airplane rides to youth ages 8 through 17 with written permission from parents/guardians. Flights are scheduled on a first come, first served basis so youth and parents should arrive early to register children for a free airplane ride.

Summer Aviation Camps