Chairman Dick Genaille represented VAHS at the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Capital Wing Wheels and Warbirds event at Culpeper Airport on Saturday July 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Our participation was pursuant to a long-term collaborative agreement between the CAF Capital Wing and VAHS.
One hundred fifteen antique/vintage automobiles and 20 warbirds were on display. The Capital Wing’s TBM Avenger torpedo bomber and Stearman biplane flew multiple airplane rides.
Three food trucks, Capital Wing PX, “Kids Zone” face painting and arts and crafts, and a live band provided food, beverages, souvenirs and entertainment.
Approximately 1750 people attended the event. The VAHS table showcased representative Hall of Fame and archives displays. Although no new members signed up, we had a steady flow of visitors, 12 people took membership forms and VAHS got lots of positive “views”. Many visitors stayed to hear stories about Hall of Fame members and events from our archives including two disabled people and a young immigrant girl from Puerto Rico. She spoke broken English, but it was clear she was fascinated by aviation. All things considered, it was a good day for VAHS.
Capital Wing has another event coming up on August 15-16 (KPSK) New River Warbird Expo
Everyone is welcome and we would love volunteers for our tent, Call the office anytime to let us know if you can help. 540-376-3265.
We extend our sincere congratulations to the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame Class of 2025, Maj. Gen. Charles Bolden, Jr. (USMC retired), William “Bill” Harrelson. Dr. James Langford, and Daniel “Bud” Oakey. Their portraits are currently displayed in the Stafford Regional Airport, while renovations are taking place in the Shannon Air Museum. Thank you to airport director, Jim Stover, and his staff for allowing us to display them in their FBO/Reception area. If you have not been there, you need to take a trip. Stafford (KRMN) is full of Virginia aviation history and is also home to the VAHS Fredericksburg Chapter.
The idea for the society was fostered by Morton W. Lester, a well-known Virginia aviation enthusiast from Martinsville, who saw the need to preserve and display rapidly disappearing aviation artifacts in Virginia.
Lester soon found other Virginians who shared his vision to establish a Virginia Aeronautical Historical Society. On Nov. 30, 1977, that vision became a reality when the Virginia Aeronautical Historical Society was launched by a group of interested Virginia citizens.
The VAHS is committed to preserving aviation history and educating the general public of the many contributions Virginia has made and is making to the development of aviation and aerospace.
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Pick one close to you and attend a meeting. We have Chapters in the Northern Neck/Middle Peninsula, Williamsburg, Fredericksburg, Warrenton and Richmond.
Welcome New VAHS Members
Recent Donors
Greetings Fellow VAHS Members, It is with a heavy heart that I begin this message by reflecting on the passing of Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame member Chuck Tippett on Monday August
Greetings Fellow VAHS Members, I hope you all have taken the opportunity to enjoy reading the Spring/Summer 2026 Edition of the Virginia Eagles Newsletter emailed to all members on Monday
Greetings Fellow VAHS Members, I hope you enjoyed the Memorial Day weekend and remembered the many hundreds of thousands of men and women in our Armed Forces who sacrificed their
The Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame was created to commemorate and preserve outstanding aviation contributions made in Virginia or by Virginians. Each year, the Virginia Aeronautical Historical Society Board of Directors selects one or more individuals for recognition and induction into the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame.
1) Suggest to your local newspaper that the VAHS can be profiled in a short article, including information on how to join the Society. All of the VAHS office contact information is located inside the front cover of this newsletter; all you have to do is pass that information along.
2) If you have a special aviation event coming up—let us know. The VAHS has attractive new materials and light-weight display banners that are easy-to-transport and set up, along with our free Hall of Fame DVD’s that are more popular than candy! Simply contact the VAHS Office Manager, Sue Baker, to give the date of your event and check on availability of the VAHS materials and display, (540) 376-3265 or vahsonline@gmail.com.
3) Gift Memberships–The VAHS is eager to reach new members to enhance and sustain our aviation history audience—our life-blood. Give a friend or student a gift membership today!
© 2026 Virginia Aeronautical Historical Society
VAHS, P.O. BOX 9064, FREDERICKSBURG, VA 22403-9064
