Soar Through History in Elmira

The National Soaring Museum (NSM) is one of the only two U.S. museums focused on motorless flight. Our local community, Elmira, NY is regarded as the "Soaring Capital of America," in part because of soaring's central role for over 80 years in the social and economic history of the region, attracting individuals and associations from around the world for contests, lectures, symposia, and special events. National soaring contests of the 1950s brought about the concept of a national soaring museum. Area soaring then became the predominant theme in a local history museum, created in Elmira during that decade, at the Strathmont Estate. During the 1960s, the gliding portion of this small collection was relocated to Harris Hill through the efforts of HHSC, led by Schweizer Aircraft co-founder, Paul A. Schweizer. In 1969, SSA designated Harris Hill as the site for the National Soaring Museum. The Museum now serves as the official repository of SSA Archives, and on SSA's behalf, it hosts and administers the U.S. Soaring Hall of Fame. Soar with us today!