Book celebrates human side of aviation history

 “The Historic Collection,” a new book published by the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, celebrates the artifacts that shed light on the human side of naval aviation history. It is a companion to the Foundation’s popular book, “The Aircraft Collection.”

“This new book reveals the history of naval aviation as told through the museum’s exhibits and artifacts,” said Pat Hickman, Director of Retail Operations, who began planning the book five years ago. “These artifacts give the story the human context, telling the stories of the individuals.”

Choosing the pieces that would best tell the story was no easy task, said Hill Goodspeed, Historian and Artifact Collections Manager. The items featured were chosen from the more than 50,000 items that the museum has accrued since it opened its doors in 1963.

“The small artifacts add life to the airplanes and machines that we display in the museum,” Goodspeed said.

The book includes medals, clothing and other personal effects and military memorabilia. But Goodspeed’s favorites are the from-the-heart letters.

“Those letters are the closest link to the veterans to whom they belong,” he said. “Their innermost thoughts are revealed, and they are our truest link to the human story of naval aviation.”

Photographer Michael Duncan, president of Duncan McCall Advertising, spent more than a year photographing the artifacts. “Getting this close to these amazing artifacts is like being on the front line of American history,” Duncan said. “I was honored to be a part of this project”.

“The Historic Collection” is available at Flight Deck -- The Museum Store and online at navalaviation.com. Soft cover books are $15; a limited hardcover edition is $20.