On October 26, 2023, leaders from the City of Hickory, the Hickory Aviation Museum, and Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) gathered at Hickory Regional Airport to break ground on a new facility that will merge aviation history with education. The City of Hickory is partnering with the Sabre Society of North Carolina/Hickory Aviation Museum and CVCC to construct a building designed to house the museum’s collection of vintage military aircraft, preserve aviation heritage, and provide STEM education and workforce development opportunities.
Bill Baker, Webmaster/Social Media Manager, provided an update on the construction progress. Initially projected to open in the spring, the facility is now expected to be completed by early fall due to the rapid pace of construction. The building construction is progressing quickly and volunteers are working very hard to complete cosmetic restoration of the museum’s aircraft. There are currently eight aircraft that are completed and ready to go inside the building.
One of the most significant milestones in the project is the installation of an AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter in the atrium, positioned to greet visitors upon entry. In the main aircraft gallery, seven to eight lighter aircraft will also be suspended from the ceiling. Notably, a P-3C Orion will be displayed in its entirety inside the facility—making it the only fully intact example of this aircraft on indoor display worldwide. The building has been specifically designed with access doors tall and wide enough to accommodate the aircraft’s vertical tail section.
To support ongoing restoration efforts, a temporary Quonset hut is being constructed to serve as a workspace for aircraft refurbishments. The next aircraft slated for restoration include the SNJ Texan, T-2 Buckeye, and A-4L Skyhawk.
The museum continues to attract a growing number of visitors from around the world, with more than 100 tour groups visiting last year. While admission remains free for now, future policy changes may be considered. As with many volunteer-based museums, the Hickory Aviation Museum faces challenges in recruiting new volunteers. The museum’s docent team is aging, and the recent loss of two active members has highlighted the need for fresh engagement and support.
As part of its partnership with CVCC and the City of Hickory, the museum will also support educational initiatives through CVCC’s Workforce Innovation Center. Starting in the fall, CVCC will offer courses focused on marine engines and boat propulsion, with future plans to expand into aviation maintenance.
In 2024, the museum further expanded its collection with the addition of a de Havilland Otter and an AV-8B Harrier, reinforcing its mission to preserve and showcase aviation history for future generations. For more information and to support the museum, visit www.hickoryaviationmuseum.org
