Programs

Girls in Aviation Day Gulf Coast

Girls in Aviation Day, October 17, 2026!
Information Coming Soon!

Girls in Aviation Gulf Coast is a partnership between the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation and Women in Aviation International Gulf Coast Chapter.

The Scale of History session will allow participants ages 5 – 18 to learn about aircraft and carrier models and their importance in the National Naval Aviation Museum. Children will construct age-appropriate models and learn the parts of the aircraft. After the event, families are encouraged to tour the museum or participate in special Flight Adventure Deck Tours, focusing on the science of flight.

February 23, 2026, 10 am to Noon

Registration will open at 9am on February 10, 2026.

This cost of this session is $5 per participant. This fee is nonrefundable.

Session 02 – Launch Into Spring!

The Launch Into Spring session will allow participants ages 5 – 18 to make aircraft and rockets that they will launch in the National Naval Aviation Museum.

March 30, 2026, 10 am to 11:30am

Registration will open at 9am on March 3, 2026.

This cost of this session is $5 per participant. This fee is nonrefundable.

Session 03 – Homefront

The Homefront session will allow participants ages 5 – 18 to learn about the World War II Homefront, including victory gardens and ration coupons in the National Naval Aviation Museum.

April 27, 2026, 10 am to Noon

Registration will open at 9am on April 7, 2026.

This cost of this session is $5 per participant. This fee is nonrefundable.

JROTC

The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation offers JROTC fieldtrips.

Profiles in Leadership and Courage

— Is great for groups with 4 or more hours in the museum.
— Follows a pre-approved itinerary.
— Includes a leadership talk and a specialized tour of the museum.
— Ends with a drill demonstration by the Cadets in the Blue Angels Atrium.
— Is available on Mondays and Tuesdays.

If you are interested in bringing JROTC Cadets to the National Naval Aviation Museum, please contact dhayden@navalaviationmuseum.org

Museum in Motion Outreach

The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation currently offers a mobile outreach program called The Museum in Motion.

— Presentation: World War II

— Audience: Adults

— Length: 45 minutes

— Venues: Libraries, Assisted Living and Retirement Facilities

If you are interested in learning more about the Museum in Motion Outreach Program, please contact Dianna Hayden, dhayden@navalaviationmuseum.org.

Museum Masterpieces Art/Essay Contest

MUSEUM MASTERPIECES ART AND ESSAY CONTEST THEME: 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BLUE ANGELS

The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation (NAMF) is proud to announce the fifth annual Museum Masterpieces Art and Essay Contest, honoring a remarkable milestone in aviation history: the 80th anniversary of the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels.

For eight decades, the Blue Angels have inspired millions with their breathtaking precision, disciplined teamwork, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Since their formation in 1946, the Blue Angels have represented the very best of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, demonstrating the extraordinary skill and dedication required to operate at the highest levels of naval aviation. Their performances are more than air shows—they are living tributes to service, sacrifice, and American innovation.

This year’s contest invites artists and writers of all ages to reflect on the Blue Angels’ enduring legacy. Participants are encouraged to create original artwork or essays that celebrate:

• The skill and precision of the pilots
• The dedication of the maintenance crews and support teams
• The spirit of teamwork that defines the squadron
• The history and impact of the Blue Angels over the past 80 years

Behind every perfectly timed maneuver is a team of professionals whose commitment to excellence makes the impossible look effortless. From the pilots who fly within inches of one another at hundreds of miles per hour, to the maintainers who ensure every aircraft is mission-ready, the Blue Angels represent unity, trust, and discipline in action.

Through creativity and storytelling, this contest aims to honor not only the spectacle of flight, but also the values that sustain it—leadership, perseverance, innovation, and service to country.

The Museum Masterpieces Contest has become a cherished annual tradition, showcasing the remarkable talents of our community while deepening appreciation for naval aviation history. Each submission adds a new perspective to the story of flight, reminding us that inspiration can soar just as high as any jet.

As we commemorate 80 years of the Blue Angels, we invite students, artists, and writers to help us celebrate this extraordinary chapter in aviation history. Whether through brushstrokes or words, your tribute can capture the energy, pride, and precision that have defined the Blue Angels for generations.

Join us in honoring 80 years of excellence. Let your creativity take flight.

For contest guidelines, submission deadlines, and entry details click on the links below:

Contest Rules and Information
Download Contest Entry Form