GLENVILLE, N.Y. – Senator Patricia Fahy announced today that $25,000 in operating grant funds secured through her office was awarded to Empire State Aerosciences Museum (ESAM) in Glenville. The grant will help cover insurance and operating costs for their exhibits, which include interactive displays, a simulated reality vehicle ride, and a research library with books, photographs, and archival documents.

Since 1984, ESAM has been inspiring and educating the public about flight. When it started, the museum occupied offices on the south end of the Schenectady County Airport and within a few years, the exhibits were moved into the current-day Gallery 2. With help from volunteers and funding from The Great Northeast Airshow, ESAM expanded in 1993 into the 9 buildings on the western perimeter of the Schenectady County Airport. The airport itself has a significant role in aviation history dating back to 1927 when one of the first planes to land was flown by Charles Lindbergh shortly after his transatlantic flight.

Featured exhibits include twenty restored military aircraft including an F-14 Tomcat and an F-5 Tiger used in the movie Top Gun, dioramas and models depicting the evolution of aviation, a replica World War I Nieuport 17 and aerodrome exhibit, an interactive exhibit of lunar rovers, and much more. In addition to their ongoing exhibits, ESAM hosts a variety of events for kids, adults, and veterans including the Schenectady County Veterans Day Out, Jack-O’-Lanterns & Jets, Flights for Veterans, Fly-In Breakfasts, and the upcoming annual Christmas in the Air.

ESAM hosts group tours, field trips, and parties, and they are always looking for volunteers in a variety of areas. Those interested in promoting the heritage and history of aviation can do so through developing and maintaining exhibits, restoring aircrafts, delivering educational programs, managing the library collection, or helping with marketing and events. Anyone interested in applying can find more information on their website. ESAM also accepts donations to fund the vital restoration and educational work they do to keep history alive, honor veterans, and spark a passion for flight. They serve the community through stimulating interest in NYS aviation for residents and visitors, providing a repository for artifacts, documents, and aircraft, assisting schools by exposing students to aviation technology and career opportunities, and providing a hub for aviation advocates.

“Empire State Aerosciences Museum is a gem of Schenectady County, bringing together folks of all ages to showcase an important piece of our history here in New York,” said Senator Patricia Fahy (D–Glenville). “I’m proud to support ESAM with a $25,000 grant from my office, and I know this funding will go to good use educating the community about aviation technology, veterans, career opportunities, and our shared history. I strongly urge anyone with an interest in history to make a day of it – stop by ESAM to check out their exhibits, bring your friends, and get involved in any way you can.”

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