Unveiling of Historic Caldwell Aviation Museum in Oklahoma
Aviation history was brought to life in Oklahoma with the grand opening of The Caldwell Collection at El Reno Regional Airport on October 4, 2025. The museum, nestled in a restored 1943 World War II hangar, is home to over 20 classic aircraft from the Golden Age of aviation.
The museum was founded by aviation enthusiast, Tony Caldwell. The collection boasts several rare Waco biplanes that were the mainstay of civilian aviation in the 1920s and 1930s. In addition, a Stearman PT-17 trainer is on display, courtesy of Waldo Wright’s Flying Service. The 30,000-square-foot facility also encompasses:
- An active aircraft restoration shop
- A café
- An aviation library
“I’m thrilled to share my passion for vintage aircraft with Canadian County and all of Oklahoma,” Caldwell expressed. “Restoring these magnificent planes is a privilege. Each one has a unique history and holds a special place in the collection.”
The museum was inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony during El Reno Airport’s 6th Annual Fly-In and Community Day.
Visitors have the unique opportunity to witness live restoration work and gain behind-the-scenes insight into maintaining historic aircraft in flying condition. The museum offers free admission year-round by appointment, making vintage aviation accessible to enthusiasts, historians, and the local community.
Source: https://generalaviationnews.com/2025/10/08/caldwell-collection-opens-at-krqo/