The John W. Ramsay Research Library exists to collect, preserve, catalog, and facilitate access to media that embody the history and technology of aerospace, in support of the New England Air Museum.

Hours: Every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All research materials are located in the Reading Room, while the stacks are open only to library personnel.

Email the Library at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have questions. We are open only on Tuesdays; our volunteer staff will be happy to do aviation research for you, as time is available.

The all-volunteer library staff consists of a Director, a Research Librarian, and 15 volunteer assistants and is available for research inquiries. A reasonable fee will be charged for research and document reproductions.

The library, comprised of a reference/reading room, work rooms, stacks, archive space and storage, occupies close to 7,000 square feet, on two floors of the Civil Aviation hangar.

The collection is organized in the following categories:

• AVIATION BOOKS - Approximately 20,000.
• TECHNICAL MANUALS - Approximately 5,000 manuals and pilot's operating handbooks.
• AVIATION PERIODICALS - Approximately 97,000 items.
• REFERENCE FILES - Approximately 280 linear feet covering 740 aviation topics.
• AUDIO/VIDEO MATERIALS - Over 800 VHS tapes, 350 audio tapes, and approximately 730,000 images (on NASM videodiscs).
• PHOTOGRAPHS - Approximately 21,000 black and white prints and 7,800 slides.
• ARCHIVES - Papers of many New England aviation pioneers, including Burnelli, Whitehead, Wittiman, and others.

Also, historical documents of the Connecticut Aeronautical Historical Association, New England Air Museum, and others.

Donate Items: If you are interested in donating items to our library, please contact the library first at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Simulators, Demonstrations and Activities
Special Exhibits | Young Visitor Activities
Aircraft Collection | Engine Collection
Restoration Program | Research Library