Staff members conduct historical research leading toward scholarly and popular publications, exhibitions, lectures, seminars, and other forms of public presentation. Staff members also respond to a broad range of requests from the public on matters related to the history of aeronautics. The collection expanded significantly after World War I and World War II, particularly because of the efforts of Paul Garber, who acquired some of the most important aircraft in the collection. T he collections of the Aeronautics Division currently comprise a total of approximately 28,000 objects, including 356 aircraft. Aeronautics Division curators are currently working on a permanent collection art exhibition, scheduled to open in Gallery 211 in 2001, a refurbishment of the Hall of Air Transportation , scheduled to open in 2002, and a Wright Brothers 2003 Centennial of Flight exhibition, scheduled to open in 2003.
Many entries contain photographs and essays explaining the aircraft's significance.
Trophies and Awards at the National Air and Space Museum - Important artifacts in the collection that honor individuals or groups for airmanship or technological achievement. Women In Aviation and Space History - Essays on and images of all of the women for whom the National Air and Space Museum currently has artifacts or photographs in its collections.