Connecticut Air & Space Center Opening Annex In Stratford

STRATFORD, CT — The Connecticut Air & Space Center announced Tuesday that a ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place to celebrate the opening of its annex for the public display of historic military and civilian aircraft restored by the Center.

The ceremony will take place at 12 noon on Thursday, May 27, at 225B Main St. in Stratford.

Stratford Mayor Laura R. Hoydick will be among those addressing the audience.

“The opening of this annex will be yet another milestone for the Center regarding public awareness of the history in aviation accomplishments during the past century,” said Mark Corvino, president of the Center. He noted the restoration of these historic aircraft will help keep alive the spirit and bravery of the pilots who flew them into harm’s way.

“The opening of this annex is a great event for the Connecticut Air and Space Center and the residents of Stratford, ahead of the much-anticipated restoration of the Curtiss Hangar," Hoydick said. “Stratford's place in aviation history is second to none in the state, and this annex will be an important step in cementing our observation and preservation of that heritage that we cherish, and wish to pass on to our future generations here in Stratford."

Following the restoration of the Annex, CASC will rebuild the adjoining structure, the Curtiss Hangar. Built in 1928, it hosted such aviation greats as Charles Lindberg and Amelia Earhart. During World War II, the hangar was integral to the departure of more than 7,000 Corsair fighter planes built in Stratford and destined to the Pacific Theater, according to a news release.

On display in the Annex is a WW II Corsair F4U fighter bomber, a light observation helicopter from the Vietnam War and a Korean War era Sikorsky helicopter. Also on display will be artifacts and memorabilia of aviation history, of the factory where the Corsair was built and of the Town of Stratford.

The Connecticut Air & Space Center is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to honoring the pioneers of early aviation and endorses the STEM initiative in the restoration and preservation of historic aircraft. CASC was founded by George (Doc) Gunther in 1998, who introduced a bill in Connecticut’s General Assembly that eventually made the F4U Corsair a State plane.