Aviation History & Technology Center

Aviation History & Technology Center Our mission is to honor the legacy of aviation and the military in the local community through preservation, education, and events.
(1)

The Aviation History & Technology Center is a community created and managed aviation museum that provides an immersive, hands-on, 360 degree panoramic view of local aviation legacy, from the achievements of yesterday to the opportunities of tomorrow. The Aviation History & Technology Center is a growing collection of aircraft displayed for public exploration. We strive to show how aviation catapul

ted a fairly typical, small, Southern agricultural community into the industrial age and how the local aviation legacy has impacted global events. In development of this facility, AHTC seeks to interest America's youth in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) disciplines by using aviation as a gateway.

AHTC will be closed today APRIL 5, 2026. Our crew is busy helping the Easter Bunny (call sign HOPALOT) fly around and s...
04/05/2026

AHTC will be closed today APRIL 5, 2026. Our crew is busy helping the Easter Bunny (call sign HOPALOT) fly around and spending time with their families. Happy Easter!

Herc Yeah! We’re closing out Aviation Heritage Week and doing so with a true legend—the C-130 Hercules (and a T-shirt gi...
04/04/2026

Herc Yeah! We’re closing out Aviation Heritage Week and doing so with a true legend—the C-130 Hercules (and a T-shirt giveaway that proudly shows your enthusiasm for the Herc with retro style)

First flown in 1954 and still rolling off the production line in 2026, the C-130 represents one remarkably long, history-making, continuous production. Even more impressive? Even after over 70 years, it was named the “Coolest Thing Made in Georgia” in 2025—a testament to its lasting impact both globally and right here at home.
For generations, this aircraft hasn’t just been an observer to history… it’s been right in the middle of so much history. Built right next door to the Aviation History & Technology Center, the C-130 has carried hope, power, and innovation to every corner of the globe.

But here’s the question:
What moment best defines the legacy of the C-130?
Is it:
✈Snatching satellites out of the sky mid-air?
✈Delivering critical supplies during the Siege of Khe Sanh?
✈Landing on an aircraft carrier against all odds?
✈ Evacuating refugees during the fall of Saigon?
✈The unmatched firepower of the AC-130 gunship?
✈ Or something else entirely?

👇 We want to hear from you!
Drop one of our suggestions or your own in the comments on this post and tell us which mission or moment you think stands above the rest. The comment with the MOST LIKES by next Friday (April 10 at 3PM) will win a custom C-130 T-shirt! Share this challenge with your crew and get them to help you win this limited edition shirt only from AHTC.

Let’s celebrate the aircraft that continues to define strength, versatility, and service—both around the world and right here at home.


Its Friday of Aviation Heritage Week and that means T-Shirt Giveaway Time!Today's trivia winners (one on Facebook and on...
04/03/2026

Its Friday of Aviation Heritage Week and that means T-Shirt Giveaway Time!

Today's trivia winners (one on Facebook and one on Instagram) will receive an awesome shirt showing what living near one of the nation's premier centers of aviation excellence really means. AVIATION IS IN OUR D.N.A. (See picture)

You cannot talk about aviation heritage without recognizing the extreme contributions that Lockheed Martin has made locally and globally. Think you know all you need to know about the local aviation story? Lets find out!

For more than 75 years, Lockheed—now Lockheed Martin —has transformed Air Force Plant 6 in Marietta into one of the most important aircraft manufacturing sites in the world. At one of the nation's premier centers of aviation excellence right here in our community, thousands of our relatives, friends, and neighbors have helped build legends of the sky: the dependable C-130 Hercules, the globe-spanning C-141 StarLifter, and the massive C-5 Galaxy—earning Marietta the title “Airlift Capital of the World.”

From shaping global conflicts to advancing modern airpower (yes, the F-22 Raptor was also built here ), the fingerprints of this community are on some of the most iconic aircraft ever built and the events they played roles in.

TRIVIA TIME:
While producing many of their own legendary aircraft, Lockheed was also called upon to build several hundred planes that weren’t originally their design. These aircraft were created by another manufacturer and produced under license right here in Georgia.

Can you name the aircraft?

As part of Aviation Heritage Week, today we remember Naval Air Station Atlanta (NAS Atlanta). We are proud to host a nu...
04/02/2026

As part of Aviation Heritage Week, today we remember Naval Air Station Atlanta (NAS Atlanta). We are proud to host a number of aircraft and memories from NAS Atlanta. The next time you are in the area, think about the quality and quantity of men and women who have come to our community through NAS Atlanta.

So what do you think is in the time capsule (pic shown) that was created in 1991? Yes, we know it is a little late opening it. What do you think, should we open it this year with the 85th anniversary?

For nearly 70 years, Atlanta was a major hub for Naval Aviation? From training WWII aces to supporting Cold War reservists, Naval Air Station Atlanta left a huge mark on Georgia history.

The Highlights:
-WWII Era (Chamblee): Established in 1941 at what is now DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK). Over 3,000 pilots trained here for the Pacific theater. 3
-In 1959, the advances of the jet age and the need for a longer runway saw NAS Atlanta move to share runways with Dobbins
-Award Winning- NAS Atlanta was twice named the most efficient Naval Reserve station in the country.
-A New Chapter: NAS Atlanta officially closed in 2009. Today, the site lives on as the General Lucius D. Clay National Guard Center.


Congratulations to yesterday's trivia winners. Everyone wins today as we share some "gems" from the archives for Aviati...
03/31/2026

Congratulations to yesterday's trivia winners. Everyone wins today as we share some "gems" from the archives for Aviation Heritage Week. Construction for what was originally called the Marietta Aircraft Assembly Plant (MAAP) kicked off on March 30, 1942 and proceeded at a frenzy from there. Before long, the Bell Bomber Plant was rolling B-29s off the line to fight around the globe.

What do you think was the greatest impact of the plant being built?

Regional economic uplift, victory in WWII, local infrastructure and urban development, cultural shifts, Southerners demonstrating their patriotism to the United States, or maybe you have some ideas of your own?

,

AHTC would like to extend our extreme gratitude to the numerous volunteers that came out on Saturday as part of the Kenn...
03/31/2026

AHTC would like to extend our extreme gratitude to the numerous volunteers that came out on Saturday as part of the Kennesaw State University Day of Service.

KSU students were joined by a group from the Cobb Chamber Honorary Commanders Association Alumni to create several new features at AHTC that demonstrate our community's pride in, and appreciation for, those who serve our country.

Together, the group installed plantings with special symbolism around the NAS Atlanta Memorial, a permanent POW / MIA table at our Legacy Flag Plaza, and a thought provoking panel at the museum's exit.

We would also like to extend a special THANK YOU to Tvc Veterinary for providing support to make these improvements possible.

Today is MARCH 30 and that means one thing... AVIATION HERITAGE WEEK kicks off here in the Cobb County area. Check b...
03/30/2026

Today is MARCH 30 and that means one thing... AVIATION HERITAGE WEEK kicks off here in the Cobb County area. Check back with us all week for trivia with prizes, fun facts, glimpses into the archives, and more. Some will be on Facebook and Instagram, others will be only on one platform or the other. Be sure to follow us on both to see everything.

1st prize of the week goes to the first person (1 winner on Facebook and 1 on Instagram) to answer the question correctly. BE VERY SPECIFIC!

Why is the first day of Aviation Heritage Week, March 30, significant in the local aviation legacy?

Today, on National Vietnam War Veterans Day, the Aviation History & Technology Center pauses to honor the men and women ...
03/29/2026

Today, on National Vietnam War Veterans Day, the Aviation History & Technology Center pauses to honor the men and women who served during one of the most challenging chapters in our nation’s history.
​For us, these aircraft aren't just displays of aluminum and rivets; they are the keepers of your stories. Several of the aircraft in our collection served along side you and today serve as silent witnesses to your courage.
​To our local veteran community and those across the country:
​We see you. We recognize the sacrifices you made, often without the "Welcome Home" you deserved.
​We hear you. We are dedicated to preserving your legacy so future generations understand the true cost of valor.
​We thank you. For your bravery in the cockpit, in the field, on the ships, and in the years since.
​To the 58,222 names on The Wall and the many who returned changed—you are never forgotten. It is our greatest honor to be a place where your history lives on.
​Welcome home.

03/18/2026

ARE YOU READY? Scouting USA Aviation Merit Badges are offered at the Aviation History & Technology Center monthly from April to October. Registration is open so hit the afterburner to get signed up. Limited spots are available each month and are filling up fast. www.AHTC360.org/aviationmeritbadge

Due to the rain, AHTC will be closing today (Sunday, March 8) at 3pm.
03/08/2026

Due to the rain, AHTC will be closing today (Sunday, March 8) at 3pm.

Kelly Johnson and Lockheed Marietta: A Legacy of InnovationDid you know that today is Kelly Johnson's birthday? 🎉 He was...
02/27/2026

Kelly Johnson and Lockheed Marietta: A Legacy of Innovation

Did you know that today is Kelly Johnson's birthday? 🎉 He was the legendary Lockheed engineer behind the Skunk Works program and frequently visited the Lockheed Marietta plant. Best known for designing the SR-71 Blackbird, U-2, and P-80, Johnson also played a key role in shaping some of the innovative aircraft built right here in Georgia. In the 1950s, he contributed to the early development of the C-130 Hercules, ensuring Lockheed’s newest transport aircraft met its demanding military requirements. Later, in the 1960s, as the massive and critical C-5 Galaxy faced engineering challenges, Johnson traveled to Marietta to help resolve the issues. His problem-solving skills and no-nonsense approach left a lasting mark on the plant’s legacy of excellence.

Though he spent most of his career at Skunk Works in Burbank, his influence extended far beyond, reaching all the way to Marietta. The next time you see a C-130 or C-5 in the sky, remember that a bit of Kelly Johnson’s genius helped bring those planes to life right here! ✈️ 💪 🛫

Address

555 Perrin Road SE
Marietta, GA
30060

Opening Hours

Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Telephone

(770) 919-5700

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Aviation History & Technology Center posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to Aviation History & Technology Center:

Shortcuts

Share

Category