Young and Donnelly Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Designate National Airmail Museum in Fort Wayne

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) yesterday introduced the National Airmail Museum Act to designate Hangar 2 at SmithField in Fort Wayne as the National Airmail Museum. The legislation would designate a museum to celebrate Smith Field’s role in airmail history. Representative Jim Banks (IN-R-03) introduced the House version of this bill in February.   

Smith Field was named in honor of Art Smith, a pioneer in airmail and Fort Wayne native who had a crucial role in the development of airmail. Art Smith and Smith Field are both important to Indiana’s aviation history.

“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.  

“I am happy to partner with Senator Young on this bipartisan legislation that would designate a National Airmail Museum at Smith Field, driving tourism and allowing future generations to learn about Fort Wayne’s role in our nation’s airmail history,” said Senator Donnelly.

Smith Field is the home of Fort Wayne’s first municipal airport. Operations of the airport began on June 25, 1925. In 1930, Smith Field was added to regular airmail services. The first airmail flight left Smith Field on December 8, 1930. Smith Field is currently a fully operational and active airfield. Click hereto learn more about Smith Field.