Author: renee-tnmot

TNMOT Expands Aviation Footprint

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The National Museum of Transportation (TNMOT) is expanding its aviation footprint in a remarkable way. TNMOT’s growing fleet already includes a storied C-47 transport plane that carried troops and supplies during WWII, the F/A-18 E1—the very first Super Hornet ever built and the powerhouse of the U.S. Navy—and a classic T-33 trainer. In 2026, the Museum will proudly welcome a Harrier jump jet, an engineering marvel known for its revolutionary vertical/short takeoff and landing capability. The Harrier changed modern military aviation by allowing pilots to operate where traditional runways were impossible, making it one of the most versatile aircraft ever built.

While these aircraft represent aviation excellence recognized around the world, their presence on the Museum’s campus honors a deeply local story—the extraordinary legacy of McDonnell Douglas and later Boeing, and the thousands of St. Louis-area men and women whose skill, innovation, and dedication shaped American aerospace history. We invite you to help us create a beautiful display pad and surrounding park-like setting worthy of this fleet. Your gift of $100 or more will reserve your place at our ribbon-cutting celebration when the Harrier arrives in early summer 2026. Much must be done before then to prepare the site—please donate today to help us bring this vision to life. (Naming rights for this aviation plaza expansion are also available. Please contact the Museum at [email protected] for additional information. Levels of Giving are noted below.)

The National Museum of Transportation is located at 2933 Barrett Station Road, Kirkwood, MO, and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  The Museum receives no government funding and relies on the generosity of the community for continued support.  The Museum is recognized by the Smithsonian Institution for having ‘one of the largest and best collections of transportation vehicles in the country,’ and voted one of the top five best open-air museums in the country by the USA Today Readers’ Choice Poll for the past two years.

Aviation Plaza – Naming & Giving Levels

1. Aviation Plaza Naming Rights — $275,000

Benefits:

-Exclusive naming rights for the entire Aviation Plaza

-Prominent plaza entrance signage with donor name

-Recognition on the Museum’s website, annual report, and donor wall

-Private VIP unveiling event for up to 25 guests

-Behind-the-scenes tour of the Museum’s aviation collection

-Lifetime Family Museum Membership

2. Flight Deck Circle — $100,000

Benefits:

-Name featured on a dedicated Flight Deck Circle recognition panel

-Invitation for 10 guests to the Aviation Plaza ribbon-cutting

-Private guided tour of the F/A-18 E1, Harrier, and F-15 exhibits

-Ten annual complimentary admission passes

-Family Museum Membership for 5 years

3. Pilot’s Honor Tier — $50,000

Benefits:

-Name included on the Pilot’s Honor Tier recognition display

-Invitation for 6 guests to the ribbon-cutting

-Six complimentary admission passes annually for 5 years

-Family Museum Membership for 3 years

4. Wings & Wheels Society — $10,000

Benefits:

-Name listed on the Wings & Wheels donor plaque

-Invitation for 4 guests to the Aviation Plaza opening event

-Four complimentary admission passes annually for 3 years

-Family Museum Membership for 1 year

5. Runway Supporter — $2,500

Benefits:

-Name included on the Runway Supporter listing

-Invitation for 2 guests to the ribbon-cutting

-Two complimentary admission passes annually for 2 years

6. Aviation Plaza Brick — $300

Benefits:

-Personalized engraved brick installed within the plaza walkway

-Digital certificate of appreciation

-Recognition in the Museum’s online donor listing

7. Aviation Friend — $100

Benefits:

-Name included in the Museum’s online donor listing

-Digital thank-you certificate

-Invitation to special aviation email updates and sneak-peek announcements

Go here to choose one of the Aviation Plaza giving level options.

For other naming rights levels, please contact Amanda Ryman at [email protected].

Museum Speakers Seek Scheduling

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The National Museum of Transportation Takes Its Story to the Streets in 2026

Kirkwood, MO — The National Museum of Transportation (TNMOT) is excited to announce a community-wide outreach initiative for 2026. As part of its mission to connect people with the history and future of American transportation, the Museum is seeking speaking opportunities with community groups, civic organizations, and fraternal associations across the region.

For 81 years, TNMOT has been a proud part of the St. Louis community.  Museum representatives are “taking the story to the streets,” offering to bring engaging presentations directly to local luncheon meetings, breakfast gatherings, and other organizational events. Speakers will share updates on the Museum’s newest restoration projects, highlight upcoming special events, and offer a glimpse into ambitious plans for the years ahead.

Nationally recognized for excellence, TNMOT houses “one of the best collections of transportation vehicles in the country,” according to representatives from the Smithsonian Institution. The Museum was also recently voted one of the top open-air museums in the United States by the USA Today Readers’ Choice Poll.

Organizations interested in scheduling a speaker for their 2026 meeting are encouraged to contact the Museum at [email protected].

The National Museum of Transportation is located at 2933 Barrett Station Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122.

Donation Depot at TNMOT

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Please continue to support the Donation Depot by bringing your gently used items to The National Museum of Transportation’s Barrett Station Gift Shop. If you have any holiday collectibles or unique items, please drop them off in Barrett Station on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., or you can drop them by the administration office at 2967 Barrett Station Road, St. Louis, MO 63122, Monday – Thursday.

Guidelines: We can accept only 10 items or less from an individual at a time so we can inventory donations. We cannot accept clothes, electronics, large items, appliances, or books/magazines. We are delighted to accept your small treasures, collectibles, or unique items.

Thank you. (It’s a great place to shop, too! Drop in when you have a chance!)

2025 Annual Meeting/Proxy

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The 2025 Annual Meeting of the Membership is postponed due to inclement weather. Additional information will be sent out soon.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

We welcome our current membership to the

2025 Annual Meeting of the Membership

POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER!

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, 4:00 pm
The Earl C. Lindburg Automobile Building
2933 Barrett Station Road
Kirkwood, MO  63122
Guest Speaker:  Mr. Ken Velten
Presentation:  The Museum’s Strategic Plan 2025-2030

2025 Proxy Statement

(Votes are only accepted/counted from current members of The National Museum of Transportation)

I hereby nominate and appoint Charley Taylor, John Brophy, and Ted Williams as my attorneys, or proxies, and each of them, with full power to act without the others, to represent me and cast my vote by proxy at The National Museum of Transportation Annual Meeting of the Membership, Tuesday, December 2, 2025, in The Earl C. Lindburg Automobile Building at 4 pm or at any adjournment thereof, as fully and with the same effect as I might or could do personally present at such meeting, thereby ratifying and confirming his/her vote on the matters to be presented at said meeting.

Without limiting the general authorization and power hereby given, said proxies are specifically directed to vote for the following except as indicated below on this reply form, on the election of directors to be submitted at the meeting.

Terms Expiring – December 31, 2028

Renominated to the Board

Herman Jimerson

Terms Expiring – December 31, 2028

Nominated for a First Term

George P. Dorris III, Kim Lam, Andrew Meyer, Dr. Wendell Smith, Todd Tobiasz

Please go here to complete and submit your 2025 proxy statement.

Blueprint Digitization Grant

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Jordan M.—Library & Archives

The Library & Archives has received some important recognition in regards to the Blueprint Digitization Grant we recently were awarded! U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt wrote a letter to the President of our Board of Directors, Darryl Ross, congratulating the Museum. He wrote: 

“…Since its founding over 80 years ago, the National Museum has captured the imaginations of many youth over the years, and has truly become one of the St. Louis region’s flagship museums. With your legacy of inspiring countless Americans to dig deeper into our republic’s rich transportation history, I am genuinely excited that your organization was selected for this award, and know that you will put these funds to good use in preserving the thousands of records in your care.”


Senator Schmitt also indicated his support for the Museum in the future. A great feather in the Museum’s cap! 

Donation Depot Resale Shop at TNMOT

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The National Museum of Transportation (TNMOT) proudly announces the grand opening of The Donation Depot, a new resale shop dedicated to supporting the Museum’s mission of preserving and showcasing America’s transportation heritage. All proceeds from The Donation Depot directly benefit TNMOT, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that receives no government support.

“We’re thrilled to open The Donation Depot as a new way for our community to engage with and support the Museum,” said Terri McEachern, Executive Director. “Every item donated and every purchase made helps us preserve and share one of the largest and most diverse transportation collections in the nation.”

Located in the Barrett Station Depot at the Museum’s campus (use Entrance #2), The Donation Depot offers a variety of gently used treasures for resale. Community members are encouraged to shop or donate to help this brand-new initiative succeed.

Donation Hours: Fridays, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Shopping Hours:  Wednesday-Sunday, 9 am – 4 pm

Location: The Donation Depot, Barrett Station Depot, Entrance #2

Address: 2933 Barrett Station Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Each donor may bring up to ten items per visit. While The Donation Depot accepts a wide range of items, please note that clothing, bedding, electronics, records, books, and magazines cannot be accepted at this time. Donors will receive a tax-deductible donation receipt upon drop-off.

The National Museum of Transportation houses “one of the largest and best collections of transportation vehicles in the country,” according to representatives from the Smithsonian Institution. For the past two years, the Museum has been voted among the top five best outdoor museums in the United States.

“TNMOT depends on the generosity of our community,” said McEachern. “By donating or shopping at The Donation Depot, you’re helping us protect and celebrate the story of American transportation for generations to come.”

About The National Museum of Transportation

Founded in 1944, The National Museum of Transportation in Kirkwood, Missouri, is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of transportation history. The Museum’s extensive collection includes rail, road, air, and water vehicles that have shaped American life. TNMOT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and receives no government funding.

Visit www.tnmot.org or follow The National Museum of Transportation on social media for updates and ways to get involved.

TNMOT Awarded $46,650 Museums for America Grant

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ST. LOUIS, MO — The National Museum of Transportation (TNMOT) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $46,650 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through the Museums for America grant program. This funding will support TNMOT’s Engineering Drawing and Blueprint Digitization Project, a vital preservation initiative focused on safeguarding a remarkable collection of American rail history.

The project will digitize approximately 25,000 original blueprints and engineering drawings produced by prominent railcar manufacturers from the late 19th to mid-20th centuries. These irreplaceable documents — many of them hand-drawn on fragile materials such as linen and vellum — offer unparalleled insight into the design and manufacturing processes of historic rail vehicles.

TNMOT serves as the sole lead on this project and is not collaborating with other agencies or organizations. The grant is a dollar-for-dollar match, and the Museum is encouraging public support to help fund this effort. Donations can be made directly at tnmot.org.

“This project is about more than just preservation — it’s about unlocking the stories embedded in these extraordinary documents,” said Terri McEachern, Executive Director of TNMOT. “These blueprints are windows into the golden age of American rail innovation, and digitizing them ensures that future generations — from researchers to rail enthusiasts — will have access to this critical part of our industrial heritage.”

The blueprints and engineering drawings, currently housed in the TNMOT Library and Archives, number close to 50,000 in total. Many were donated over the Museum’s 80-year history by major manufacturers such as American Car and Foundry, Budd Manufacturing, and General Steel — companies that shaped the course of American transportation.

Representatives from the Smithsonian Institution have recognized TNMOT as having “one of the largest and best collections of transportation vehicles in the country.” This digitization project represents the Museum’s ongoing commitment to excellence in preservation, education, and public access.

The Museum, 2933 Barrett Station Road, Kirkwood, MO, is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Anniversary: U.S. Navy & Super Hornet

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Kirkwood, MO — October 2025 — The National Museum of Transportation (TNMOT) proudly honors two major milestones in American military and aviation history—the 250th Anniversary of the United States Navy and the 30th Anniversary of the first flight of the F/A-18 E1 Super Hornet, the first of its kind and currently on exhibit at the Museum.

To mark this special occasion, TNMOT invites guests to join in the celebration on Saturday, October 12, 2025. Adult visitors can enjoy $17.75 admission, which includes a commemorative -shirt celebrating 250 years of the U.S. Navy, while supplies last. Guests not wishing to receive the t-shirt may pay regular admission prices. Museum members may purchase the commemorative t-shirt for $12.75.

The Museum’s centerpiece for this celebration—the F/A-18 E1 Super Hornet, known simply as E1—holds a special place in aviation history.

E1 was the first F/A-18E Super Hornet ever built.

It made its inaugural flight on November 29, 1995, departing from Lambert International Airport in St. Louis, Missouri.

The aircraft arrived at TNMOT in December 2023, with reassembly and dedication completed in 2024.

Boeing volunteers refurbished the aircraft before its display in St. Louis.

The National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida, loaned E1 to TNMOT for public exhibition.

This dual celebration underscores the Museum’s ongoing commitment to preserving and showcasing the nation’s rich transportation and engineering legacy. Recognized by the Smithsonian Institution as having “one of the largest and best collections of transportation vehicles in the country,” TNMOT continues to inspire visitors with exhibits spanning rail, road, air, and sea.

“We’re honored to celebrate 250 years of the U.S. Navy alongside the remarkable legacy of the F/A-18E1 Super Hornet,” said Terri McEachern, Executive Director of The National Museum of Transportation. “This event highlights both our nation’s enduring spirit of innovation and the pride we take in preserving these incredible pieces of history.”

The National Museum of Transportation, located at 2933 Barrett Station Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that receives no government funding.

For more information about this event or to plan your visit, please visit www.tnmot.org or call (314) 965-6885.

Special Museum Events and Exhibits

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EVENTS AT THE MUSEUM

Car Shows, Museum Admission Specials, Unique Exhibits, the original F/A-18 E1 Super Hornet, Virgin Hyperloop XP-2 Pegasus Pod gifted from the Smithsonian, Trick-or-Track, Big Trucks, Holiday Happiness, The Major Lee Berra Creation Station–the list goes on and on.

Go here to see our Museum Events page for the full list of activities, special events, etc.

(Note: The Creation Station is first-come, first-served, and the entire party needs to be present to purchase tickets. Also, the Museum is closed Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day)