Museum tour makes exhibits come to life

  • Published
  • By Laura Mowry
  • Staff Writer
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- --  Air Force Flight Test Museum personnel recently toured historic sites across Edwards AFB with base leadership in an effort to make museum exhibits come to life by providing in-depth context to some of the most historic locations and exciting moments in aviation history.

The tour included numerous stops across the base including the rocket sled track located near the North Gate entrance to the base, as well as the X-15 rocket stands and famous Yeager Pit, where the Bell X-1 was loaded onto the B-29.

Each stop on the tour focused on expanding leadership's knowledge of programs that have shaped the rich heritage of Edwards and have greatly influenced the flight test community.

"We wanted to introduce the leadership of the 412th Test Wing to the historic sites that are still here on the base that we can match to historical photographs and museum exhibits. It's to shed light on the actual tests that were conducted and show them where it happened. We wanted to make the history come alive," said Tony Moore, Museum specialist.

As leadership continues to look towards the future, the tour provided a unique opportunity to appreciate the base's past programs and accomplishments; the remnants of which are hidden in plain sight next to some of today's most advanced programs.

"We're lucky enough to have these things still here; Edwards is such a historical place. So many important advances were made and continue to be made here. I hope they enjoyed learning the history of this place, because every day they get to see modern advances being made, it was great to highlight the path that has brought us to where we are today," said Moore.

At the rocket sled track, museum personnel highlighted the work of Dr. John Stapp in deceleration.

According to Moore, not only was his work a substantial contribution to flight test, but his research and advocacy eventually led to higher standards and technological improvements regarding seatbelt restraints in vehicles; demonstrating that Edwards not only serves the warfighter, but has a lasting impact far beyond the flight test community and aerospace industry.