It is home to over 20,000 aviation artifacts, six movie theaters, art and photo galleries, flight simulators, two "hands-on" interactive galleries for kids of all ages, a substantial aviation library, a variety of vintage vehicles, and over 220 historic airplanes.

Yes, it's the EAA Airventure Museum and it's free to all Airventure attendees all week. See the newest exhibit featuring SpaceShipOne or take a walk through aviation's storied past. And if you are one of the few who hasn't yet made it over to the Museum, the bus leaves every 10 minutes from the "tower" across the street from the air market (is that correct?).

In charge of the Museum's 168,000 square feet of activity is soft-spoken Adam Smith, 34. A history buff from way back (well, as way back as you can go when you're 34), Adam is working his sixth AirVenture - and enjoying every minute of it.

With a university degree in history and a master's in museum studies ("I had a passion for history and an interest in all things old and historical."), college jobs and volunteer experiences at various museums -- and a special interest in WWI -- Adam was director at the National Museum of Flight in Scotland prior coming to Oshkosh. 

"Oshkosh," he said, particularly for those outside the U.S., "is considered Mecca for anyone with a passion for aviation. There's something really special about it."

The Museum, which is overseen by the EAA, attracts 150,000 visitors annually, with a full 50,000 passing through the doors just during AirVenture. This makes for a sort of dual calendar for the relatively small number (12) of museum staff and hundreds of EAA volunteers. The museum is integrated in many ways with the EAA, sharing accounting and IT functions, among others. As the largest museum north of Milwaukee, it is amazing to think how many visitors it would attract if it the museum were lifted up and located smack dab in a major city!

But it's not the behind-the-scene "workings" of the museum that interest its patrons. It's the exhibits. "Our museum is special in many ways," said Smith. "We not only offer cool objects, but incredible human stories, complete with the ultimate flying experience." Kids, he added, are particularly attentive to what the Museum offers, and during the year the museum offers kid programs galore.

The most popular exhibits at Airventure Museum? That's easy for Smith. Eagle Hangar is number one. Dedicated to World War II aviation and historic fighter jets, "people appreciate the patriotism, courage and honor of those who flew the WWII planes," he said. The airplanes include examples of Allied fighters, bombers, liaison aircraft, trainers, Army and Navy aircraft, plus examples from Germany and Japan.

The Eagle Hangar, a hall of honor dedicated to the memory of those who served valiantly in that monumental struggle for freedom, also features a dramatic mural on the hangar's south wall that depicts notable American aircraft and all the Allied theaters of war. Spanning 120 feet, it allows the viewer to see at a glance the vastness of this global conflict.

Pioneer Airport, a "living history" re-creation of what airports were like during the early days of air travel, comes in a close second, according to Smith.

More than 50 vintage airplanes are displayed in seven period hangars designed to take participants back to aviation's "Golden Age" of the 1920's and 30's. Engaging displays include a tribute to the legendary air racer, designer and builder Steve Wittman.

Next month Pioneer Airport will hold its annual; "Good Ol' Days: Pioneer Airport Living History Event, August 19-20, when staff and volunteers bring the excitement and adventure of the golden age of aviation back to life.

Additionally, Timeless Voices of Aviation, a major video history project of the EAA AirVenture Museum, assures that the first-person oral histories (700 of them to date) of aviation's development are preserved for future generations.

The museum's collection of historic artifacts started in 1962 when Steve Wittman donated his famous air racer "Bonzo" - and the EAA Air Museum was founded.

"We have the finest collection of artifacts of the world that represents personal innovations in aviation," said Smith.

Smith's goals include maintaining exceptional high standards; giving people interesting exhibits; increasing attendance; and creating and stimulating financial support. The Museum is also advancing its website, with the installation of three additional webcams and providing additional online information for Internet visitors from all over the world who may never have the opportunity to physically visit the Museum.

The challenges, said Smith, as for any museum, is inherent in what is required to preserve and protect artifacts. "Being good stewards of the artifacts we look after and finding resources are perhaps are major challenges."

For those few who may not know, EAA is an international membership organization comprised of nearly 170,000 aviation enthusiasts. Founded in 1953, EAA is an activity-oriented association headquartered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, whose mission is to serve the needs and interests of its membership and the aviation community by promoting the right to fly, preserving the heritage of aviation, and preparing the future of aviation.

FMI: www.airventure.org