The Museum Story

The Port Townsend Aero Museum (PTAM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving youth and families by developing and operating a center for the interpretation of and education about historic aviation in the Pacific Northwest. The Port Townsend Aero Museum connects yesterday, today and tomorrow through education, restoration, operation and interpretation of antique and classic aircraft. The Museum preserves history, provides volunteers challenging tasks and enhances work-based opportunities for youth and young adults.

Jake Thibeault of Kingston repairs the cowling on our 7AC Champ.

Jerry Thuotte giving an aviation lesson on the blackboard.

The Port Townsend Aero Museum was founded in 2001 by Jerry and Peggy Thuotte.  They started the museum with an initial gift of six antique aircraft which provided  the foundation for the museum collection. During the past three years, seventeen additional airplanes in need of restoration have been donated to the museum as well as airplane parts and aircraft memorabilia.

The PTAM is operated entirely by volunteers. Board members are actively involved volunteering their time and expertise from aircraft acquisition and restoration to fundraising and flight training. Support for the Museum from all sources is currently in the form of individual cash contributions, property contributions of aircraft, hundreds of hours of volunteer time and expertise, and contract restoration through the youth apprenticeship program of privately owned antique and classic aircraft.