April is Global Volunteer Appreciation month so today we turn the spotlight on the dedicated men and women who donate their time and knowledge to the Museum. At Sullenberger Aviation Museum, volunteers are more than friendly faces on the gallery floor, they are a vital part of how we bring aviation stories to life. From greeting guests at the door to leading conversations in the galleries, supporting hands-on activities in the Makerspace, or helping visitors try their hand at the flight simulators, our volunteers help ensure every guest has a welcoming and engaging experience.
What makes SAM’s volunteer community especially unique is the depth of knowledge and passion behind it. Nearly 80% of our volunteers are aviation professionals or aspiring aviation professionals. That means the person answering a question about an aircraft’s wingspan might also be a pilot, engineer, mechanic, air traffic controller, or someone actively working toward a career in aviation. When you stop to chat with a volunteer, you truly never know who you might be talking to – or what stories they might have to share!
Volunteer-led moments like these are what make a visit to SAM memorable. They transform exhibits into conversations and aircraft into stories.
One standout example is Susie who leads one of our volunteer-driven pop-up programs twice each month with fellow volunteer David.
Susie introduces guests to the concept of ditching, or safely landing an aircraft on water, and explains the equipment found in aircraft survival rafts. Her program gives visitors a fascinating look at aviation safety and survival procedures, turning a complex topic into an interactive learning moment for guests of all ages.
Next time you visit, take a moment to say hello to one of our volunteers in red. You may leave knowing a little more about aviation than when you arrived. And if you’ve ever wanted to share your own passion for flight, we’re always looking for the next great volunteer to join the team.
