The WACO Historical Society has a dual purpose: Preservation of history of the WACO Aircraft Company and the Golden Age of Flight; and the education of young people in the area of math, science, technology and history, using aviation themes as a means toward enhancing student enthusiasm and response to traditional classroom curriculum.
The WACO Historical Society, Inc., was founded in 1978 and is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization. We are based at and operate Historic Waco Field, an authentic public grass airstrip (1WF).
In 1997, the first building to be erected on WACO Field was an historic 1856 barn relocated to the premises and restored thanks to a generous grant provided by the Troy Foundation. A traditional barn raising was held on the site on October 7, 1997. Over 300 volunteers from all over the United States helped rebuild the barn. Currently, the barn is used to house tractors and other maintenance vehicles. However, we would like to make improvements and incorporate the barn into the active museum buildings.
The second building project on WACO Field was the 7500 sq ft hangar which became home to the WACO Aircraft Museum, Research Library, Classroom/Conference Room and Museum Offices. Our latest addition is a new Museum Hangar, built by Bruns construction and completed in September 2009 through a generous grant from the Ohio Cultural Facilities Foundation. This new building is home to vintage WACO aircraft, displays and the history of the Waco Aircraft Company.
Historic WACO Field also has a radio-controlled aircraft flying field located on site which is home to the WACO Barnstormers RC Club. We have a separate runway in place specifically designed to accommodate RC Aircraft.
The Education Director has developed an out reach program designed to foster science, technology, engineering and math in schools. Our programs demonstrate the principles of flight and engage participants in making and flying hot air balloons, kites, radio controlled model airplanes, paper rockets, boomerangs, Estes rockets. We also incorporate the option for a flight in an airplane. Many campers have been able to attend our summer camp through scholarships generously donated by Friends of WACO. Your generous donation to our scholarship program helps us continue to provide this great learning experience to young campers through out the Miami Valley.