Not Just Winging it:
Wings of History Air Museum Soars to New Heights
by Morgan Blaettler
Driving down Highway 101, we’ ve all spotted the private planes flying to and from the San Martin Airport. But have you ever wondered about the history behind these local aircrafts? Tucked just behind the airport is the Wings of History Air Museum, housing an abundance of unique vintage aviation pieces from across the country.
The hidden gem has been open for over 25 years. Purchased in 1979 from local businessman and airplane enthusiast, Irv Perch, the museum was originally named the California Antique Aircraft Museum. The origins of the museum took inspiration from the Watsonville Air Show, which drew in the Northern Antiquers Club, a dedicated group of vintage aircraft enthusiasts devoted to restoring and showcasing antique airplanes.
The building lives to preserve history with its extensive collection featuring display hangars, propellers, aircraft engines and innovative airplanes. There are also dedicated exhibits highlighting WWI and WWII memorabilia, Women in Aviation, and even flying boats!
The museum is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization, run by workers who are passionate about aviation and the Wings of History mission. According to museum Treasurer and Curator Jerry Impellezzeri, the museum’ s mission is dedicated to keeping aviation history alive through learning and preserving flight. Impellezzelli states,“ We specialize in early aviation history from pioneers to WWII and seek to teach aviation skills, such as restoration and techniques used to build aircrafts.”
Adjacent to the museum, tandem parachute jumping and Silicon Valley Skydiving fly out of the San Martin Airport. The museum breathes innovation, with their parachute jump predictor monitoring data through surveillance broadcasting, detecting the typical altitude and speed of the parachute drop and then alerts visitors in the gift shop to go out and watch... How cool is that!(... Continued)
46 WINTER 2026 Gilroy • Morgan Hill TODAY Magazine: Go. Make history... gmhtoday. com