Celebrating its 75th Anniversary, an American Icon Flies Again

McMinnville, Ore, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Seventy-five years ago, the largest wooden aircraft ever built, the Spruce Goose, took its first and only historic flight on November 2, and changed the course of aviation innovation forever. In celebration of its milestone and the 40^th anniversary of Microsoft Flight Simulator, anyone in the world will now be able to fly the American icon.

“Humanity’s most significant advancements have occurred when ingenuity meets unstoppable determination,” said Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum CEO, Tyson Weinert. “The Spruce Goose introduced cutting-edge technology in 1947 that has touched almost every aspect of flight history since its creation. The Museum is dedicated to honoring the Spruce Goose’s legacy by preserving the aircraft and its story to inspire continued curiosity, discovery, and innovation.”

First conceived during World War II to move troops and materials across the Atlantic Ocean, business magnate, film producer, and aviation pioneer Howard Hughes took on the task of constructing the massive flying boat. On Wednesday, Nov. 2, Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, located in McMinnville, Ore., will celebrate the historic milestone commemorating the moment Hughes surprised the world as the prototype lifted off the water and flew. Activities will include remarks from special guests starting at 1:30 pm; a communication from the Howard Hughes Club in Culver City, Cal.; tours of the Spruce Goose; Howard Hughes Archive items on display; and educational documentaries showing at the Evergreen Theater. Then, on Nov. 5, the Museum will hold a private Gala to raise funds for an updated exhibit focusing on the untold stories surrounding the Spruce Goose, cementing the aviation icon’s place in history, and continuing its legacy of sparking a passion for innovation, aviation, and discovery. And finally, on Friday, Nov. 11, two cutting-edge technologies converge with the release of the much-anticipated Microsoft Flight Simulator 40^th Anniversary Edition, empowering the Spruce Goose to fly again.

“For four decades, Microsoft Flight Simulator has been extending the joy of flight to people around the world, enabling awe-inspiring experiences with incredible realism,” said Jorg Neumann, head of Microsoft Flight Simulator. “This one-of-a-kind plane is one of a dozen famous aircraft that will be added to Microsoft Flight Simulator 40^th Anniversary Edition, allowing anyone, anywhere the ability to fly this icon of aviation history.”

Visitors and guests are invited to visit and see this American icon in person or learn more and submit their own Spruce Goose stories on the official aircraft webpage. Follow Evergreen Museum on social media at @evergreenmuseum or visit its website, evergreenmuseum.org for updates. You can also explore all the ways to support the preservation of historic aircrafts like the Spruce Goose on our donation page, evergreenmuseum.org/donate.

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ABOUT THE EVERGREEN AVIATION & SPACE MUSEUM

The Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, home of the iconic Hughes Flying Boat Spruce Goose, strives to promote scientific curiosity while empowering everyone to learn about the past and inspiring future use of innovation and technology. Our aircraft, exhibits, and artifacts – like our rare SR-71 Blackbird, Titan II Space Launch Vehicle (SLV) with its original launch room, and a MaxFlight full-motion interactive flight simulator ride – offer stunning examples of aviation achievement in an environment that teaches students of all ages how these once emerging technologies demonstrate the importance of human skills like mathematics, science, teamwork, determination, and perseverance. As a 501(c)3, we are proud to partner with the Academy of Model Aeronautics, the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab, the Oregon Space Consortium, and the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program.

Discover more than 150 historic aircraft, spacecraft, and exhibits on display, along with artwork and traveling exhibits daily from 9 am – 5 pm. The Museum is located at 500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, across the highway from the McMinnville Airport and about three miles southeast of McMinnville, Ore., on Highway 18. To make a reservation, buy tickets, or learn more, please call (503) 434-4180 or visit evergreenmuseum.org. Follow @evergreenmuseum on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest updates. 

• Spruce Goose at Night | Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
• Spruce Goose | Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum