Bipartisan bill introduced for National Airmail Museum in Fort Wayne

By Reed Parker | Inside INdiana Business

A bipartisan bill has been introduced by Indiana's senators to designate a section of Smith Field as the National Airmail Museum. Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Joe Donnelly (D-IN) submitted the National Airmail Museum Act this week. Representative Jim Banks (R-3) introduced the House version in February.

Senator Young says Hangar 2 of Smith Field would receive the designation. “The Smith Field Airport in Fort Wayne played a vital role in the history of airmail. I am proud to introduce this bill alongside Senator Donnelly to recognize Smith Field’s significance, and I look forward to the transformation of Hangar 2 into a vibrant cultural and educational experience that will highlight Fort Wayne’s important role in airmail history,” said Senator Young.

Smith Field was named in honor of airmail pioneer and Ft. Wayne native Art Smith. The airport opened in 1925 and had its first airmail flight in 1930. Click here to learn more about Smith Field.