If you are an aviation enthusiast, then you don’t want to miss a stop at The Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum in Middle River, Maryland. Even if you aren’t enthusiastic about aviation, you are sure to find this unique museum an interesting and educational adventure. The museum offers limited hours and is open each Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons from 11am to 3pm. The museum is located on the lower floor of the Martin State Airport, which is at 701 Wilson Point Road in Middle River, MD.

Glenn Luther Martin was born in the late 1800s and became an aviation pioneer during the early 1900s. In 1907, Glenn flew his first glider, and in 1909, he flew his personally-designed biplane. Friends and family nicknamed Glenn “The Flying Dude,” which became a popular name for him throughout his lifetime. Glenn L. Martin was a world record maker, due to his flight over water in 1912. During that flight, Glenn flew from mainland California to Catalina Island. On his return trip, he delivered mail to residents in mainland California. This action was the first mail delivery on a plane over the water. Glenn was a man of many “firsts.”

Eventually, Glenn purchased approximately 1,260 acres in Middle River, Maryland, that he used to build an aircraft manufacturing plant. He developed several aviation-focused facilities, including an airport that included airplane hangers and a terminal. The successful airplane manufacturing plant was the hub of the Glenn L. Martin Company, which produced more than 80 different types of aircraft. More than 11,000 planes were made at the plant between 1928 and 1960. After 1960, the newly named The Martin Corporation began developing missiles, such as the Titan missile series.

The Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum in Middle River is a wonderful place to learn more about the history of Glenn L. Martin, as well as about various aircraft, missiles, and more. Since the early 1990s, the museum has been open to the public and attracts people of all ages throughout the year. Many aircraft are on display at the museum, including; the Beechcraft 18S, Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk, Lockheed T-33, North American F-100F Super Sabre, Martin 4-0-4, McDonnell Douglas F-4C Phantom II, and many others.

In addition to viewing the aircraft that are on display, there are also many displays of aviation artifacts, photographs, documents, films, and more. There is also a research library for anyone who wants to delve deeper into the study of aviation. The library can be visited anytime the museum is open; however, an appointment is required for those seeking access to the library materials.

Tours of the Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum in Middle River are offered to school groups and anyone else that wishes to experience the museum through an official tour. Tours include visitation to indoor and outdoor facilities. The museum also hosts special events, monthly speakers, open cockpit days, and many other events. For a complete list of events or to learn more details about the museum, please visit the museum’s website at www.mdairmuseum.org or call the museum at (410) 682-6122. This museum is a wonderful place to visit when you are in Middle River, Maryland!