The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, bearing the name of Hammondsport's favorite son, is located on Route 54, one half mile south of the village of Hammondsport, New York. Dedicated to the memory of pioneer aviator, Glenn Curtiss, the museum contains a priceless collection relating to early aviation and local history. The museum also features a 75-seat theater, large open area for special events and a gift shop. In addition to seeing the museum displays and exhibits, visitors are welcome to visit the Restoration Shop, talk with volunteer craftsman and watch them work on historic aircraft.

Glenn Curtiss began his career as a builder of bicycles and then, motorcycles. In 1907 he became the "fastest man on earth" when he attained a speed of 136.4 MPH on his V8 powered motorcycle. An exact reproduction of this bike is one of several Curtiss motorcycles that are on display. On July 4th, 1908, Curtiss gained notoriety of a different kind when he flew his flying machine, named the "June Bug", a distance of over 5000 feet to win the Scientific American Trophy. This was the first pre-announced, public flight in America - a feat that earned him pilot's license # 1. A full-sized reproduction of the "June Bug" is one of several historic aircraft on display.

Glenn Curtiss won world recognition as an aircraft builder and pilot in 1909 when he won the Gordon Bennett Trophy for speed at the First International Aviation Meet held in Rheims, France. During this flight he achieved the breath-taking speed of 46.5 MPH (he went 90 MPH faster on a motorcycle two years earlier). Back in the states, a year later, Curtiss again furthered his eminence as a pioneer aviator by making the first long distance flight in America, between two cities. He flew from Albany to New York City with one stop, for a total distance of 150 miles to win a $10,000 prize and the Scientific American Trophy (again). In 1911 he mastered the technology associated with taking off and landing an aircraft on water, thereby making the "seaplane" and later, the "flying boat", a practical reality. Seaplane development led Curtiss to an association with the U.S. Navy that began when he trained their first pilots and built the "A-1", their first aircraft. Today, he is acknowledged as "The Father of Naval Aviation". Visitors to the museum will also see a full-scale reproduction of this first naval aircraft. Additional Curtiss aircraft in the collection include a 1912 "Pusher", a 1913 "Model E" flying boat, a 1917 "Jenny", a 1919 "Seagull" flying boat, and a 1927 "Robin". From the Curtiss-Wright era (post 1929), included are a 1931 "Junior", a ¾ scale P-40 and last - but certainly not least, a C-46, WWII transport (this aircraft will actually be seen first, because it guards the main gate). In addition to motorcycles and aircraft, visitors will also see antique tools, toys, boats, home-furnishings, fire equipment and much more. There's something here for everyone!

Current Restoration Project: 1914 Curtiss America

The “ America ” –
In the summer of 2006, the restoration shop crew was back “full speed ahead” on the America and Hudson Flyer projects after a successful 4th Annual Seaplane Homecoming and A-1 flights. The America fuselage was turned over to do the double planking forward of the step. The wings were in the process of being covered and rib lacing has been completed on the first lower wing section.

The America wings are currently being displayed on the main museum floor. Quite an impressive sight! We are planning to fully assemble the America in the shop. By turning the fuselage crosswise to the room, the wings will fit, giving some room at either end. Negotiations are in progress with an outside shop to assist in the refurbishing and assembly of the two OXX6 engines. Because this work will cost more than originally planned, the restoration shop is hoping to gather the necessary funds through additional donations. Both crankshafts and upper crankcases are ready, after re-babbiting of bearings, and plating and regrinding of the crankshaft to “as new” condition in one engine.