Piper Aviation Museum to Expand Facility

The museum will add 9,600 square feet to accommodate growing visitor demand and aircraft collection.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Piper Aviation Museum in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, announced plans to expand its existing 30,000-square-foot facility by an additional 9,600 square feet. The museum, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, was founded in 1986 and focuses on preserving the legacy of Piper Aircraft and Lock Haven's aviation history. The expansion will allow the museum to display up to 14 more aircraft and create new interactive and educational exhibits.

Why it matters

The Piper Aviation Museum is a major tourist attraction in the region, drawing thousands of visitors annually. The expansion will help the museum accommodate growing demand, strengthen its role as an educational hub and community resource, and position it for long-term sustainable growth.

The details

The museum's current 30,000-square-foot building houses educational exhibits, archives, and an aircraft display ranging from Piper Cubs to a Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche. The new 9,600-square-foot addition will allow the museum to display up to 14 additional aircraft and create new interactive and educational exhibits. The expansion is meant to increase tourism in the area and appeal to K-12 students, educators, and employers, as well as provide more space for community events.

  • The Piper Aviation Museum was founded in 1986.
  • The museum is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
  • The museum's board of directors approved the 9,600-square-foot expansion in 2026.

The players

Piper Aviation Museum

A museum focused on preserving the legacy of Piper Aircraft and Lock Haven's aviation history, founded in 1986 and located in the historic Piper Aircraft engineering building at the William T. Piper Memorial Airport.

Ron Dremel

The president of the Piper Aviation Museum.

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What they’re saying

“The expansion represents far more than added exhibit space. It strengthens our role as an educational hub, community resource, and regional economic driver. This is a transformative opportunity to preserve aviation history, inspire future generations, and position the Piper Aviation Museum for decades of sustainable growth.”

— Ron Dremel, Museum President

What’s next

The museum plans to begin construction on the 9,600-square-foot expansion in the coming months.

The takeaway

The Piper Aviation Museum's expansion demonstrates the enduring appeal of aviation history and the importance of preserving local heritage. By growing its facilities, the museum can better serve its community, attract more visitors, and ensure the legacy of Piper Aircraft lives on for future generations.