Fairchild AFB opened near Spokane, Washington, in late 1942 as an aircraft maintenance and supply depot, repairing some 1,750 B-17s as wells as B-24s and other aircraft during World War II. The 92nd Bomb Group and all its subsequent reincarnations have made the base their home since July of 1947.

The Fairchild Heritage Museum and Air Park at Fairchild is a military museum dedicated to preserving the history of manned flight since the Civil War, focusing on the history of military units assigned to Fairchild, Geiger Field, Felts Field and Fort George Wright (later George Wright AFB) as well as significant regional events and personalities.

The museum was begun by Fairchild AFB in August 1980 and has enjoyed support from the Air Force, Fairchild AFB and the community since that time. Because of continuing Air Force budget reductions, however, the museum faces an uncertain future. The Fairchild Heritage Museum Society has undertaken a campaign to privatize the museum and move it from the base itself to a site near the base where it can remain open and will be more accessible to the public.

To accomplish these goals, the society needs to raise $5,000,000, beginning with an initial $35,000 start-up and then $3,500,000, which will enable it to move to the new site, upgrade current exhibits and buildings, construct a new welcome facility, provide security and develop infrastructure.

If you would like to help the society accomplish its goals, donations may be made to:

(Make checks payable to Fairchild Heritage Museum Society.)

Questions can be directed to Arne Weinman, Fairchild Heritage Museum Society, at 509-994-5272 or Fred Brown, museum director, at 509-247-2100.