Museum celebrates innovation, aviation

The Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center is taking flight.

Thunique museum, founded and owned by Drs. Forrest and Pamela Bird, highlights aviation and inovation. The grand opening is July 7 at 10 a.m

For this special free weekend event, several aviator groups will be flying in, including members of the Experimental Aircraft Association and Friends of Sandpoint Airport.

The Bird Museum, located near Sandpoint, recognizes a diverse group of inventors whose life's works have changed history. These inventors include a pioneer of the respiratory industry and inventors and/or co-inventors of the following:

Inventors: Philip D. Bart developer of the Cabbage Patch Doll; Frank J. Cepollina, satellite servicing techniques (Hubble Space Telescope); Dr. Forrest M Bird, medical respirator/ventilator and also pioneered military medical evacuation; Dr. Marcian E. "Tedd" Hoff, memory system for a multi-chip digital computer CPU (microprocessor for the computer); Bob Smith - Smith Ski Goggles; and Robert Parker, digital thermometer and the battery charger tester,

In addition to the incredible inventions, Drs. Forrest and Pamela Bird's historic collection of 21 airplanes dating from before World War II, including seaplanes, single and twin-engine planes, with designs from Cessna. Stearman, Beechcraft, Republic.

Bell, Waco and Piper as well as others, will be on display.

Meet, greet and get autographs from some of the world famous aviators and inventors including:

Aviators: David Lee "Tex" Hill Legendary Triple Ace Flying Tigers; astronaut Dr. John Grunsfeld; Living Legends of Aviation inductee Joe Clark (a great aviator and inventor of the efficient wing-tip design); Living Legends of Aviation inductee Clay Lacy (Hollywood aviator commando) and Christopher "Boomer" T. Wilson, retired captain of the United States Navy and former commanding officer of the Navy fighter weapons school (Top Gun).

The museum contains Dr. Bird's inventions and a variety of 21 vintage aircraft including: 1927

Waco; 1939 Staggerwing Beecheraft; 1978 Cessna Turbojet; 1947 Seabee; 1938 Piper Cub;1947 Schweitzer S22-A Glider; 1954 Chipmunk and a 1943 Stearm.

The collection also includes a variety of cars including a 1927 Ford Model T-touring car, a 1928 Model A Ford sedan, a 1948 Chrysler Windsor, a 1950 GMC Suburban, a 1951 GMC Pickup, a 1951 International; a 1974 Cadillac station wagon (only 250 made), and a 1970 Cadillac limousine.

The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center is located on the Bird Ranch and airstrip near Sandpoint.

Directions: From Sandpoint Take Highway 95 south over the Long Bridge. Once over the bridge, travel approximately five miles to Sagle Road. Turn left on Sagle Road, travel 11.8 miles and turn left onto Bird Ranch Road leading you to the Bird Museum and invention Center.

For more information or schedule interviews, please contact Rachel Riddle, Director ofEducation and Community Relations or Dr. Pam Bird. Co-Founder at 255-4321.

Additional information can be found on the Web site: birdaviationmuseum.com