For over a century, from the first flights by frail biplanes on the Hempstead Plains, to man’s walking on the Moon, Long Island has been on the leading edge of America’s aviation and space adventure. Long Islanders have helped transform aviation from a spectator sport to a major means of commercial transportation. We have also produced a large portion of America’s aerial arsenal in time of war. The many historic flights that transpired here, and the many aviation companies that developed here, helped make aviation the integral part of our world that it is today. This museum is proof that our dreams can come true. But what is so astonishing is that they can come true so quickly.

We strive to make the Cradle of Aviation Museum the best resource for the community that it can be. In that light, we are happy to host a growing list of competitions for young people from across Long Island to participate in, including Rockets, egg drops, model airplanes and more

We would like you to join us in our efforts to preserve our rich heritage by becoming a member of the Cradle of Aviation Museum. With your help we will be able to inspire future generations to look to the sky and reach for the stars.

The Museum's many unique party spaces include its luminous Reckson Center Atrium, The Red Planet Cafe, Hall of Honors, Sky Walk and the 300-seat Leroy R. & Rose W. Grumman Giant Screen Dome Theater. The Museum's four-story Reckson Center Atrium is a magnificent backdrop for unique special events accommodating over 1,000 guests; perfect for corporate holiday parties, dinners, product launches, fashion shows, and more.

Converted after-hours, The Red Planet Cafe is a fun, festive party space with an out-of-this-world atmosphere. Patterned after a live space station on the planet Mars, with wall-to-wall murals and otherworldly artifacts, The Red Planet Cafe is like no other event facility on Long Island. Comfortably accommodating 220 people, The Red Planet Cafe is ideal for bar/bat mitzvahs, sweet sixteen parties, and unique corporate celebrations.

Long Island has been involved with, and made major contributions, American aviation since its earliest days and it will probably do so for well into the foreseeable future. Although no more aircraft are being built here in their entirety, today approximately 240 companies remain on Long Island producing a wide variety of parts for virtually every American aircraft that flies. This is a legacy of which we can all be proud.