Recently Viewed
Glenn H. Curtiss Museum: Early Aviation and Local History
4.9
92 Ratings
Hammondsport
Discover the fascinating early aviation history at the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum. Witness priceless artifacts and visit the Restoration Shop to see historic aircraft being restored.
Discover the fascinating early aviation history at the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum. Witness priceless artifacts and visit the Restoration Shop to see historic aircraft being restored.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Glenn H. Curtiss Museum - Initially a bicycle and motorcycle manufacturer, Glenn Curtiss made history in 1907 by becoming the ‘fastest man alive’ with a record speed of 136.4 MPH on his V8 motorcycle. A precise replica of this motorcycle is among the various Curtiss motorcycles exhibited. On Independence Day in 1908, Curtiss achieved fame in a new…
- Glenn H. Curtiss Museum - Initially a bicycle and motorcycle manufacturer, Glenn Curtiss made history in 1907 by becoming the ‘fastest man alive’ with a record speed of 136.4 MPH on his V8 motorcycle. A precise replica of this motorcycle is among the various Curtiss motorcycles exhibited. On Independence Day in 1908, Curtiss achieved fame in a new realm by piloting his aircraft, the ‘June Bug’, over a distance exceeding 5000 feet, securing the Scientific American Trophy. This marked the first publicly announced and witnessed flight in the United States, a milestone that led to him receiving the first-ever pilot’s license. A life-size model of the ‘June Bug’ is showcased alongside other significant aircraft.\n\nBeyond motorcycles and planes, the museum also showcases a collection of vintage tools, toys, boats, and a plethora of other items. There’s an array of attractions for all visitors!
What's Included
- All fees and taxes included
- All fees and taxes included
What's Not Included
- Transportation to/from attractions
- Transportation to/from attractions
Additional Information
Situated half a mile south of the Hammondsport village, on State Route 54, stands the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, a tribute to the town’s beloved native son. The museum is a testament to the life of trailblazing pilot, Glenn Curtiss, and houses a valuable assortment of artifacts pertaining to early aviation and local history. The establishment not only…
Situated half a mile south of the Hammondsport village, on State Route 54, stands the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, a tribute to the town’s beloved native son. The museum is a testament to the life of trailblazing pilot, Glenn Curtiss, and houses a valuable assortment of artifacts pertaining to early aviation and local history. The establishment not only includes a 75-seat theater and spacious venue for special occasions, but also a museum gift shop. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Restoration Shop, converse with the volunteer craftsmen, and observe as they restore historic aircraft, in addition to exploring the museum’s many displays and exhibits.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Children 6 and under are free
- Free on-site parking is available
Location
Glenn H. Curtiss Museum
8419 State Route 54
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(92 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Z3021ltpatriciar
Sep 23, 2024
Suddenly you see the giant airplane in the front of the building! You know you are in for a memorable experience ! - What an interesting, not-to-be missed attraction! So much to see and learn. Optional tour guide "Doc"was amazing with all of his facts.He rocked!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Atgnwt
Sep 19, 2024
We need more men like Curtiss - Glen Curtiss was a fascinating man I’d never heard of and now I’ll never forget him. The museum is amazing. So much to see and learn and appreciate.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kk64
Sep 18, 2024
Eye opening - Curtiss vs Wright brothers - Incredible museum and actually dispelled all of our childhood beliefs about the first flight. Amazing man! Elon Musk of the past. Well worth the visit. the 1 hr long movie was extremely well done and sets the stage for the museum. Wish we could have learned this in school.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
23denal
Sep 18, 2024
family time - Great history!! Make sure you take time to watch the movie! I was great and had a lot of info about who made what and what you thought you knew.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
931flaviac
Aug 8, 2024
Good visit for all ages - Very interesting museum. I am not a person interested in airplanes, but I thought this was a very interesting visit. We started by watching the video, which I found a good way to understand the museum and life of Mr.Curtis. The display is organized in a way that you can follow Curtis development as an engineer and inventor. Loved the model airplanes.
My only suggestion would be to remaster the video because it is not that easy to understand.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jerryl2557
Jul 14, 2024
Experience of an Aerospace Engineer. - Excellent Museum. I am an airplane person, but also really enjoyed the variety of early bicycles, motor bikes and cars. The video was also excellent telling the hole story of Glenn Curtiss and his law suits and conflicts with the Wright Brothers. I was especially impressed with the Curtiss success in competitions and his companies contributions to WW-I.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bibliotakecare
Jun 26, 2024
Bicycles, motorcycles, cars, planes. Top flight presentations. - This museum tells of the beginning of flight and the struggles this man had to endure. Very professional displays follow the bicycle days, the motorcycle, glider, and aircraft history. Engines, propellers, the re-created float plane, cars, and farm equipment are all visible. Excellent gift shop. Very informative video about his life. Artifacts from their home. Go bother the guys in the restoration shop.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mrschiefefd
Jun 22, 2024
History/Aviation/Motorcycle enthusiasts DO NOT MISS THIS! - We had a very enjoyable visit to the Glenn Curtiss Museum today!!
This museum has LOTS to see!!
We especially enjoyed the movie about Glenn Curtiss’s life and his amazing contributions to aviation! We’re from OH and of course we only hear about the Wright brothers contributions to aviation. So this was really enlightening and very impressive!!!
So glad that my husband picked this museum!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
346gretchens
Jun 19, 2024
Not to be missed. A beautiful muesem on American history and the impact of the aviation. Wonderful coverage of WW l. - Not to be missed. This muesem has something for everyone. Tour book says 1 hour, but I would give it 3 hours. Great muesem for history 1900-1960's. Displays are very well done. Many you can get right up to. The muesem is much larger than it looks when you drive up. It also includes 2 workshops where current restorations are being performed. All on one level. Very handicap accessible. Kids corner and very reasonable. I think we paid $14 each. In the future, I would book a private tour of the muesem or group tour. Don't miss this gem.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jtsebastian
Jun 17, 2024
History For All Ages - Our first experience, despite being Museum Members for the past 4 years, we found it to be very educational. About 5 hours were spend inside among all of the great history, motor bikes, planes, automobiles, Curtiss Estate items and other important local history. After speaking with several locals it was refreshing to know that many a school field trip takes place to this museum where important stuff can be learned at a young age. It just takes a spark to set a fire inside some young boy or girl's soul. Then you will have the next world changer.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway was the relatively downplayed Curtiss- Wright Brothers Feud which was more fierce in actual reality then realized. Also recognition was given to many others beside Curtiss who helped innovate & build motor bikes and airplanes. All were legendary transportation pioneers of that day that continuously pushed forward. Bring a Lunch and spend some quality time here . . .
Review provided by Tripadvisor