New at the Museum

New Period Exhibit To Highlight 1930's

Gangsters, Glamour & Glory: Forging America's Future In The 1930's

The San Diego Air & Space Museum's new exhibit features historical items from all over the United States, highlighting a unique and exciting period in our nation's history. Gangsters on and off the silver screen, the glamour of design and fashion, and all the glory of the record setters who pushed higher, faster, and farther, is now on display in the Golden Age of Flight.

The centerpiece of the exhibit is our Gee Bee R-1 Super Sportster, one of only two on display worldwide, which highlights the daring and glory of our speed racing record setters. In 1932, Cleveland was the center of air racing in the U.S. and the National Air Races were equivalent in popularity to today's NASCAR event at Daytona. On September 25, 1932, 60,000 fans witnessed the most thrilling Thompson Trophy Race of all time. With Jimmy Doolittle piloting his big red and white Gee Bee R-1 over the wide flat course, there was never any doubt he would win the ten lap, 100 mile event. He finished first to claim the $4500 prize and his 252.7 mph winning speed was not bettered until 1936. The Museum's Gee Bee has been painstakingly recreated from authentic plans by our Restoration team members. The quality of the workmanship is a true testament to the skill and dedication of the Museum's Volunteer Corps.

In addition to the Gee Bee, the exhibit will include personal belongings from Amelia Earhart, sports memorabilia, radio broadcasts, Hollywood artifacts, and other items reflecting the time.