About the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum
Located in Monroe, Louisiana, the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum stands as a tribute to the region's rich aviation and military heritage. Housed in one of the last remaining buildings of the historic Selman Army Airfield Navigation School—the largest navigation school in the U.S. during World War II—the museum preserves and showcases the stories of those who served from the Civil War through the present day.
Honoring General Claire Lee Chennault and the Flying Tigers
Central to the museum's mission is honoring General Claire Lee Chennault, a Louisiana native renowned for leading the "Flying Tigers" during World War II. This group of American volunteer pilots played a pivotal role in aiding China against Japanese forces. The museum boasts the world's largest collection of Chennault artifacts, offering visitors an in-depth look into his life and legacy.
Exhibits and Collections
The museum features over 11,000 artifacts spanning from the Civil War to modern conflicts, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Ours exhibits encompass all military branches and highlight the personal stories of veterans, with a particular emphasis on those from Louisiana. Notable displays include:
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Selman Field Navigation School: Showcasing the history of the nation's largest navigation school during WWII.
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Delta Air Lines Origins: Tracing the evolution of a small crop-dusting business into one of the world's major airlines.
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Military Branch Exhibits: Dedicated sections for each military branch, featuring uniforms, weaponry, and personal narratives.
Educational and Community Outreach
Beyond its exhibits, the museum is committed to education and veteran support:
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Veterans Outreach: Offers bi-monthly PTSD clinics and houses the General Chennault Chapter 51 of the Disabled American Veterans Association, which has secured over $2 million annually in benefits for local veterans.
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Offers weekly support services with Warrior Wellness
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2 State of the Art Flight Simulators
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Oral History Project: Partners with the Library of Congress to record and preserve veterans' personal stories.
VISIT US
Admission is always free!
The Chennault Aviation & Military Museum is located at: 701 Kansas Lane | Monroe, Louisiana (at the entrance to Monroe Regional Airport).
ACCESSIBILITY:
The museum is FULLY accessible to all visitors, and a limited amount of wheelchairs are provided for use in the museum at no charge.
MUSEUM & GIFT SHOP HOURS:
Tuesday - Saturday | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
HOLIDAY CLOSURES:
Thanksgiving Day | Christmas Day | New Year’s Day