Thanks to the generous support of Cook & Krupa, LLC, guest Alizon Martinez attended the 2024 Cradle of Aviation Museum Air & Space Gala—an evening that celebrates innovation and leadership in aviation. There, she met Ethan Bassis, a Farmingdale aviation student who had saved up his own money to attend. Her story is a reminder of how mentorship, opportunity, and community continue to shape the future of aerospace.

A recent guest blog post spotlights the Cradle of Aviation Museum’s F-14A Tomcat BuNo 157982, the oldest surviving Tomcat in existence and a rare preproduction prototype. Built at Grumman’s Calverton facility, it first flew in December 1971 and was later used in extreme structural and flight tests—including asymmetric wing trials—that helped prove the aircraft’s durability. Today, it stands out in Hangar 2 as a one-of-a-kind piece of Long Island aerospace history.

A recent blog feature highlights a visit to the Cradle of Aviation Museum, tracing its location on the historic grounds of Mitchel Air Force Base and its role in telling the story of Long Island’s aerospace history. From the iconic F-14 Tomcat “Felix 101” at the entrance to the suspended Blue Angels F-11 Tiger, rare early aircraft, and immersive exhibits, the article captures how the museum preserves aviation milestones tied to Long Island’s legacy.

The Cradle of Aviation Museum joined the Port Authority’s Summer STEM Program for the sixth year, guiding 50 middle school students through hands-on science and aviation activities that culminated in a graduation at Vaughn College.

The Cradle of Aviation Museum honors the legacy of Captain James A. Lovell Jr. (1928–2025), the celebrated Apollo 13 commander. His calm leadership turned catastrophe into triumph, defining a generation of space exploration. Read our tribute and statement.

East Islip High School’s Technology Education and Career Exploration classes embarked on a field trip to Long Island MacArthur Airport - a collaborative partnership between the airport, the Cradle of Aviation Museum, and the Town of Islip, which aimed to empower local youth to discover the diverse career paths available in aviation and airport operations.

The Cradle of Aviation Museum welcomed Colonel Kim "KC" Campbell on Thursday, March 13, for an unforgettable evening as she shared her compelling journey in Flying in the Face of Fear. Throughout the evening, Campbell offered invaluable insights into embracing risk, fostering a wingman culture, and confidently navigating uncertainty. Her battle-tested strategies provided a roadmap for overcoming fear and balancing adversity.

The Cradle of Aviation Museum hosted its Inaugural Legislative Breakfast, bringing together leaders from local government, business, and community organizations. United by a shared commitment to advancing aerospace education and workforce development, their participation underscored the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of our region.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of David Leroy Grumman Sr. on January 3, 2025, at the age of 90. As the son of aviation pioneer Leroy Grumman, founder of the Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation, David carried on his family’s legacy of innovation and excellence.

A group of Cradle of Aviation Museum restoration volunteers are near the end of a ten-year journey to restore a historically accurate Fokker D.VII replica.
Museum Curator Josh Stoff says the plane, donated in 2014 by Riverhead collector John Talmage, offers visitors a glimpse into early 20th-century military aviation.