1940 AIR TERMINAL MUSEUM GRAND OPENING IN JANUARY – CENTENNIAL OF FLIGHT CELEBRATION AND SNEAK PREVIEW IN DECEMBER

(Houston – October 20, 2003) The Houston Aeronautical Heritage Society has succeeded in saving one of the last and most beautiful examples in the world of art deco airport architecture from the glamorous and exciting golden age of flight. The non-profit group is nearing completion of the first phase of restoration of Houston, Texas’ 1940 Air Terminal. The 1940 Air Terminal served as Houston’s passenger gateway from 1940 through 1954. The Terminal welcomed visitors to Houston in an era when air travelers dressed in their finest and travelled to exotic destination aboard roaring propliners, like the Douglas DC-6 and the Lockheed Constellation.

The 1940 Air Terminal is located at 8325 Travelair Road, on the west side of Hobby Airport. Once the Houston Aeronautical Heritage Society completes the first phase of the restoration, the Terminal will be opened to the public as the 1940 Air Terminal Museum, which will be a civil aviation museum, showcasing airline, business aviation and general aviation history. Prior to the restoration, the 1940 Air Terminal had been vacant since the mid 1970s.

The 1940 Air Terminal Museum will host a Centennial of Flight Celebration and Museum sneak preview on Wednesday, December 17, 2003, the 100th Anniversary of the Wright Brothers first powered flight. The Festivities will begin at 9:00 a.m. central time immediately in front of the 1940 Air Terminal, and will mark the exact time of the Wright brothers 12 second flight. The Museum sneak preview will be open to the public and The Museum will remain open afterwards until sunset. Admission to the Museum will be $2.00 for adults and $1 for children.

The Grand Opening of the 1940 Air Terminal Museum’s North Wing will take place on Friday, January 9, 2004. Grand Opening will mark the official opening of the 1940 Air Terminal Museum and will feature vintage aircraft, dignitaries and other surprise special guests. Grand Opening will be followed by the 1940 Air Terminal Museum’s 3rd Annual Pops & Props Gala and Silent Auction featuring the Ronnie Renfro Orchestra on Saturday, January 17, 2004. The 1940 Air Terminal Museum will also be open expanded hours and feature special displays throughout Super Bowl Week (Monday, January 26, 2004 – Sunday, February 1, 2004).

Updates on the restoration, the Centennial of Flight Celebration, Grand Opening, the Pops & Props Gala and Silent Auction and Super Bowl Week Festivities will be posted frequently on the Museum’s newly expanded website, www.1940AirTerminal.org. The Houston Aeronautical Heritage Society is a Texas non-profit 501(c)(3) group. For a press kit or for more information, please contact Drew Coats at (281) 367-7732 or email at Coats@1940AirTerminal.org.