The Colorado Aviation Historical Society, Denver, CO, has announced that the 13th Annual Aviation Archaeology and Wreckchasing Symposium will be held on September 26, 2026, at the historic Bob Hope Hotel and Richard C. Holbrooke Conference Center in Dayton, Ohio. The annual event brings together aviation archaeologists, wreck chasers, historians, authors, researchers, and enthusiasts from around the world for a full day of presentations focused on aviation archaeology, aircraft recovery, and historical research. Widely regarded as one of the premier gatherings of its kind, the symposium offers attendees an opportunity to learn from experts, share research, and connect with others who are passionate about preserving aviation history.
(Image credit: Colorado Aviation Historical Society)
Presentations will be delivered by speakers from across the international aviation history community, covering projects conducted both on land and underwater. Participants will share firsthand accounts of discoveries, investigations, and recovery efforts involving historic aircraft and aircrew. Registration for the symposium is $65 and includes printed materials, morning and afternoon refreshments, and a sandwich buffet lunch sponsored by the Colorado Aviation Historical Society. In addition to the symposium, attendees can take part in optional tours along the Wright Brothers Trail on September 24 and the National Museum of the United States Air Force on September 25.
(Image credit: Colorado Aviation Historical Society)
The day’s activities will be followed by an evening social gathering featuring a buffet dinner and a keynote presentation by Dr. Colin Colbourn, Lead Historian for Project Recover. Colbourn will discuss the organization’s work locating and repatriating the remains of missing American servicemen, highlighting several of Project Recover’s notable missions around the world. Admission to the dinner program is $65. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hope Hotel for attendees at a discounted rate of $125 per night. Organizers encourage guests to mention the Aviation Archaeology Symposium when making reservations. For registration information, event updates, and to support the Colorado Aviation Historical Society, click on this link: coahs.org.
(Image credit: Colorado Aviation Historical Society)
