Aviation and transportation museum

Mid-Atlantic Air Museum

About 2.5 mi from Outer Station

A volunteer-run aviation museum at Reading Regional Airport with guided public tours, an extensive aircraft collection, and active restoration work.

The place

About Mid-Atlantic Air Museum

The Mid-Atlantic Air Museum was incorporated in 1980 after Gene and Russ Strine began the effort to recover a rare Northrop P-61 Black Widow from New Guinea. That aircraft remains a central long-term restoration project and a visible example of the museum’s hands-on preservation work.

The collection now spans pioneer aircraft, civilian designs, military aircraft, classic airliners, helicopters, vehicles, archives, and related artifacts. The museum’s own roster emphasizes that it is broader than a warbird collection, with aircraft dates ranging from early-flight reproductions into the modern era.

Regular admission includes a guided tour that typically lasts about 90 minutes and runs continuously during open hours. The museum also organizes a large annual World War II Weekend, but that special event uses different parking, admission, crowd, and accessibility logistics from an ordinary museum visit.

What stands out

P-61 Black Widow restoration

The recovery and continuing restoration project connects the museum’s founding story to active preservation.

Broad aircraft timeline

The roster includes early-flight reproductions, military aircraft, civilian types, helicopters, and classic airliners.

Guided interpretation

A guide leads the regular visit, giving context to aircraft, restoration work, and regional aviation history.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Reading Blue Mountain & Northern trip

The museum is at Reading Regional Airport, roughly 2.5 miles from Reading Outer Station. It is a strong transportation-history add-on for an overnight or separate half-day; its 90-minute guided format does not fit during the Jim Thorpe train’s out-of-town layover.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • Regular hoursThe museum publishes 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday–Thursday and Saturday, with Friday and Sunday closed.
  • AdmissionCurrent published admission is $10 adults, $8 seniors 65+, $3 ages 6–12, and free for children 5 and under.
  • Tour formatAdmission includes a guided tour that typically lasts about 90 minutes. Tours run through the day, with the last starting at 3 p.m.
  • Arrival planningCall before a time-sensitive visit because the public experience is guided and restoration or airport activity can affect what is available.
  • AccessibilityThe regular visitor page does not publish a complete step-free-access description. Contact the museum about the tour route and aircraft access before traveling.
  • Special-event warningWorld War II Weekend uses remote parking, shuttles, event-specific rules, and separate accessibility arrangements; do not apply regular museum logistics to that weekend.

Another working-technology story

Add Gruber Wagon Works

Compare aircraft restoration with a preserved belt-driven wagon factory near the railroad.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

Is the regular museum visit self-guided?

No. The museum says regular admission includes a guided tour, typically about 90 minutes, with tours running continuously through the day.

How close is it to Reading Outer Station?

It is roughly 2.5 miles away at Reading Regional Airport.

Is World War II Weekend included in regular admission?

No. It is a separate large event with its own tickets, remote parking, shuttles, schedule, and visitor rules.

Is the museum accessible?

The regular visitor page does not describe the full step-free tour route. Contact the museum in advance about mobility needs and access to particular aircraft or areas.

What is the last tour time?

The current visitor page says the last regular tour begins at 3 p.m.

Trust and accuracy

Sources