Glenn L. Martin
Maryland Aviation
Museum
About
Glenn L. Martin
Glenn Luther Martin (January 17, 1886 – December 5, 1955) was an early American aviation pioneer. He designed and built his own aircraft and was an active pilot, as well as an aviation record-holder. He founded an aircraft company in 1912 which through several mergers amalgamated into what is today known as Lockheed Martin.
About The Museum
Maryland boasts a rich, pioneering aviation and aerospace history, much of which was forged right in Middle River by the visionary Glenn L. Martin Company (and later Martin Marietta). Since 1990, the Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum has served as a dedicated guardian of this remarkable legacy, saving invaluable corporate archives, blueprints, and photographs from being lost and transforming them into history you can truly touch.
Now expanding into its exciting new home at the Maryland Aerospace Heritage Center, the museum offers an immersive gateway into the past, present, and future of flight. Visitors can explore a rich collection of historic aircraft, dynamic indoor exhibit galleries, and an extensive research archive housing over 200,000 aviation photographs. From celebrating the industrious local workforce of World War II to showcasing milestone aircraft built right in Maryland, every corner of the museum honors engineering excellence.
Driven by a passionate community of volunteers, the museum is committed to far more than preservation—it is actively shaping the future. Through engaging educational programs, interactive STEM initiatives, and hands-on experiences for all ages, we strive to educate the public, preserve our state's aerospace artifacts, and inspire the next generation to look toward the stars.
Our Mission
Educate, inspire, and preserve by sharing Maryland's rich aviation and space endeavors of the past, present, and future while nurturing aerospace dreams and protecting vital historical artifacts.
Our Vision
The Maryland Aerospace Heritage Center serves as Maryland's historical anchor for aerospace education excellence, we celebrate our flight heritage, provide exceptional visitor experiences, and enthusiastically support the growth of the aerospace industry, challenging all generations to "Look to the Stars."
Core Values
Grounded in our core values of opportunity, service, integrity, continuous improvement, and excellence, we rely on our dedicated volunteer backbone, mentor tomorrow’s professionals, welcome all visitors with respect, and constantly innovate to deliver an unforgettable legacy experience.
Historical Timeline 1990 — The museum is officially founded and incorporated, and monthly member meetings begin. 1991 — Publication of the museum's very first newsletter. 1992 — The museum secures its first major aircraft acquisition—two Martin RB-57A Canberras. Simultaneously, Martin Marietta donates thousands of original photographs and press releases, establishing the foundational backbone of the museum’s extensive archives. 1993 — Official museum ribbon-cutting ceremony takes place, attended by Martin company notables and local political leaders. 1994 — A massive fleet acquisition brings the T-33A, RF-84F, F-101B, F-105G, A-7D, F-4C, and two F-100Fs to the museum (flown in directly from New Mexico). 1995 — Members Jack Breihan, Roger Mason, and Stan Piet compile and publish Martin Aircraft 1909–1960. 2000 — Manfred Leuthard donates a Martin 4-0-4, which is successfully flown in from California. 2003 — The organization officially adds "Maryland" to its name to reflect a broader statewide mission. A TA-4J trainer is also acquired, flown in from Puerto Rico. 2004 — The museum partners with Baltimore County to launch the inaugural Waterfront Festival. 2007 — The museum launches a dedicated acquisition campaign to purchase the legendary Martin Mars flying boat, though it is ultimately outbid. 2009 — A disassembled rare Martin AM-1 Mauler arrives at the museum from Texas. 2010 — The museum hosts its first annual fundraising dinner, celebrating the historic China Clipper. 2011 — A silent auction is added to the annual fundraiser, which celebrates the legacy of Project Gemini. 2012 — The impactful new exhibit “They Answered the Call” opens, honoring the dedicated workforce of the Glenn L. Martin Company. The museum also welcomes 3,000 visitors during the regional War of 1812 celebration, and the annual fundraiser honors members of the Air National Guard Hall of Fame. 2013 — The iconic Martin 4-0-4 is fully repainted and unveiled to the public. The museum acquires a Navy T-34C trainer and a Twin Beech D18S, awards its first-ever student scholarship to a local high schooler, constructs a new workshop and storage building at the flight line, and debuts its first Holiday Train Garden. 2014 — The Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Dundalk lodge facilitates the arrival of a UH-1M Huey helicopter (originally secured from Aberdeen), alongside the acquisition of a vintage Jacobs R-755 engine. 2015 — A disassembled classic Ercoupe aircraft is donated to the collection. 2017 — The museum launches a complete website redesign. 2018 — A major interior renovation modernizes the museum experience, incorporating engaging touch-screen technology. 2019 — The museum acquires and restores a rare Martin-333 engine. 2021 — Acquisition of an AH-1S Cobra helicopter.
We at the Glenn L Martin Maryland Aviation Museum have an extensive archive of the Glenn L. Martin Company.
This archive contains photos, blueprints, and more. If you have any questions that we may be able to help answer please send an email to research@mdairmuseum.org.