Our Story

…And We Have Liftoff

A BRIEF HISTORY

Museum co-founders Mary Alice and Donald Beatty were pioneers in establishing the first airline routes and bases in Central and South America. In the mid-60s, Mary Alice was appointed to lead a Birmingham Centennial Celebration committee — and with $400 and the Beatty’s own memorabilia collection, created & curated the museum’s first six displays on the Samford University campus.

Three years later, Mary Alice moved the displays into the main lobby of the Birmingham Airport Motel, which stood where the airport’s short-term parking deck is located today.

In 1983, the Southeastern Museum of Aviation was moved to the current location, and re-named the Southern Museum of Flight. Through collaborative partnerships within the community, the museum today offers exhibitions, displays and educational services with a devotion to cultural / historical awareness and insight.