Construction on the new Lone Star Flight Museum at Ellington Airport (EFD) is getting ready for take-off. Officials broke ground late last year and crews are expected to pour the foundation for the new facility soon.

The museum is moving from its current location in Galveston, TX to Ellington. After Hurricane Ike did significant damage in 2008, a decision was made to move the museum to inland and expand its reach and educational mission.  

“We believe the pairing of the rich history of Ellington Airport with one of the finest aviation collections in the nation will make the Lone Star Museum a great attraction in Houston for years to come,” said Arturo Machuca, General Manager at Ellington Airport.  “The Houston Airport System is looking forward to the Lone Star Museum’s arrival at Ellington.”

In addition to a collection of award-winning historic aircraft, the 130,000 square-foot museum will feature interactive, educational exhibits focusing on the  science, technology, engineering, and math concepts essential to flight while allowing visitors to explore Texas’ rich aviation heritage.   Another highlight of the new facility will be a $1 million Aviation Learning Center and the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame.

"We're really looking forward to this opportunity to re-envision the museum," said Larry Gregory, the museum's president and chief operating officer. "It's an opportunity to expand our outreach, too. We're giving kids a chance to learn about (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects, and we're using airplanes as a tool. It gives them something they can see and touch."

An initial $25 million Phase 1 capital campaign to build a new facility at Ellington Airport was completed in 2015. A $10 million Phase II campaign is underway.

The museum is anticipated to open in 2017.