Our Mission

RIAHOF is in the somewhat unusual position of having embraced three different missions in its relatively short lifetime.

When launched in 2003, Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame’s mission was fairly simple:  To honor and perpetuate the memory of those individuals who have contributed to Rhode Island’s rich aviation history.

In 2010 the mission was significantly expanded to include the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) Project, which envisaged a family attraction, workforce development center and memorial aboard this aircraft carrier.

When the Navy scuttled the JFK effort in 2016, the mission shifted once again. Since then, RIAHOF has focused on developing a land-based facility at the former Quonset Point Naval Air Station. This fallback plan incorporates many of the elements and programs originally planned for the aircraft carrier.

Through all these shifts in direction, one thing has remained steadfast: RIAHOF’s annual honors event is a highlight of the year for the local aviation community.

Purposes & Goals

RIAHOF exists to increase public awareness of the history and technological development of aviation, with an emphasis on the role played by the state of Rhode Island and its residents in aviation’s progress over the years. To accomplish that goal, RIAHOF recognizes and honors individuals and organizations who played a role in that progress.

We hope to inform and educate the public about aviation history in general, and Rhode Island’s aviation heritage in particular. To accomplish that goal, we intend to:

• Acquire, preserve, protect and interpret vintage aircraft and other artifacts;
• Collect and display materials associated with Rhode Island’s aviation heroes;
• Restore to operational condition artifacts of significance, so they can be observed in the historical environment and context their builders  and users intended;
• Provide a suitable facility for displaying, maintaining (and restoring as necessary) our collection, and provide maximum public access to the collection and related programming;
• Develop exhibits to show what life was like during periods covered by the collection;
• Develop a significant math and science center, a living laboratory for cutting-edge computer technology and virtual reality;
• Become an economic engine, creating jobs and generating economic impact;
• Motivate students through innovative programming, providing them with useful skills and experiences to help them become productive members of society;
• Become a true community resource: a safe haven for children, a vocational training center, and an important family recreation and entertainment destination and a facility for major special events;
• Work with other organizations which will support this mission.

Read More: Background: How did we get here?