The Grissom Air Museum, near Peru, Indiana was founded in 1981, by seven prior service military personnel who lived in the area. The Heritage Museum Foundation (HMF) wanted to preserve aircraft that were currently located at Grissom Air Reserve Base, formerly Grissom Air Force Base. The HMF started the Grissom Air Museum in 1982 outside of what then was the main gate of Grissom Air Reserve Base.
Prior to May 12, 1968, the base was known as Bunker Hill Air Force Base before it was renamed Grissom AFB in honor of Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom, Indiana native and the second American astronaut into space. He perished in the Apollo I fire on Jan. 27, 1967. Former home of the 305th Bomb Wing (BW) and the 319th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (FIS), and is now proud to be the home of the 434th Air Refueling Wing.
The Grissom Air Museum currently offers 29 aircraft, and 4 trainers.
Mission Statement
The Foundation (Grissom Air Museum) collects, researches, conserves, interprets, and presents the history and heritage of the mission, the United States airmen and the aircraft who preserved our Nation’s peace throughout the Cold War and beyond through engaging exhibits, educational outreach, special programs, and the stewardship of the Bunker Hill and Grissom historic collection.
Executive Director
Thomas R Jennings
Board of Trustees
Chairman of the Board – Lucas Bowman
Vice Chair – Jon Crispen
Treasurer – Chris Birk
Secretary – Tania Roberts
Trustee – Steve Bowman
Trustee – J.C. Buehler
Trustee – John Ensign
Trustee – Scott Kepner
Trustee – Tom Luke
Trustee – Stu Nicholson
Trustee – Rick Pleczko
Trustee – Tim White