The Mid-America Air Museum, located in Liberal, Kansas, is one of the largest aviation museums in the United States. Our collection of more than 100 aircraft spans across nearly a century of aircraft design and development.
Our indoor museum covers more than 80,000 square feet of exhibit space, with additional outdoor exhibits on site. Many aircraft gifted to the museum by Colonel Tom A. Thomas, Jr. are on display, along with other donated and loaned models. We house an interesting mix of military, commercial, and homebuilt/experimental aircraft. Specialty exhibits add a pop of variety and additional education on aircraft-related topics. Visitors have the opportunity to sit inside select aircraft and explore interactive activities in our kid zone.
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Good Day Kansas Explores: Mid-American Air Museum
Aviation in Liberal
Our connection to aviation began in 1943 when Liberal was home to the Liberal Army Airfield, a training base for the B-24 Liberator. By the time the base closed in 1945, nearly one-third of all B-24 command pilots had received their training in Liberal.
In 1951 Beechcraft arrived in Liberal and by the 1970’s it operated a major assembly plant in Liberal on the old Army Airfield location. The plant produced a number of light aircraft models, including the Musketeer, Sundowner, Sport 150, Skipper, and the Beechcraft Duchess.
Museum History
The idea for the creation of an aviation museum in Liberal was formed in 1986 during the 40th reunion celebration of Liberal Army Airfield veterans. Following a grassroots effort by locals, the museum was established in 1987 inside the former Beechcraft assembly plant.
The museum collection grew over time thanks in large part to aircraft loaned by aviation enthusiasts. Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Tom Thomas, Jr. was a tremendous resource, having loaned several dozen aircraft for display. Before his passing in 1998, Colonel Thomas set out to find a permanent home for his collection. Museum volunteers at the time were seeking a way to continue museum operations.
The City of Liberal – having recognized the museum’s historical and economic benefits to the community – agreed to take on museum operations in 1997. During the operation transition, the City accepted the donation of 53 planes (valued at nearly $3 million dollars) from Colonel Thomas, providing them with a secure home and preserving his legacy.
Help us grow.
We appreciate contributions – both large and small – to help further our mission to educate others on the history and science of aviation. You can donate online via Square to help fund museum projects and exhibits.