The Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable foundation (Tax ID # 33-0345440) that supports the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum. The Foundation is 100% funded by amazing donors, sponsors and guests who attend our fundraisers and respond to our annual appeal. We could not operate the museum if we were restricted to government funding, which covers just a skeletal crew to help maintain the aircraft and the artifacts.
We restore aircraft, preserve stories, interview Marine aviators, visit classrooms and more. We are always looking for volunteers to augment our programs.
If you are interested in additional information about volunteering or donating to any of our programs, please call us at 1-858-693-1723 or email us at flhf@flyingleathernecks.org.
Programs at the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum
Open Cockpit Days
On Open Cockpit Days visitors can sit in the cockpits of select aircraft and view Marine aviation from a pilot’s perspective. Visitors can imagine flying and learn about the aircraft from our onsite volunteer guides.

Picnic With A Pilot
Picnic with a pilot featuring amazing distinguished pilots occur during Open Cockpit Days. Our featured pilots share their history, experiences and memorable moments from their careers. They also have Q & A.
Research Center
Our Non-Lending Research Center boasts more that 1,500 books as well as photos and materials related to Marine Corps aviation and its history.
Veterans History Project
Mission to save and preserve American war veterans accounts of the realities of war through video recording their experiences as part of the Veterans History Project, Library of Congress. All branches of service welcome.
Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation Programs
Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award is the most prestigious honor awarded to an American citizen who has shown and/or demonstrated extraordinary qualities of leadership, integrity, service, philanthropy and patriotism by the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation
Irene Ferguson Marine Wife of the Year Award
Purpose: To honor and highlight the resiliency, strength, and dedication that a United States Marine Corps wife embodies as she supports our military men and women, families, communities and nation.
Learn more about the Irene Ferguson Marine Wife Of The Year Award