Pan American Airlines museum in the Grove?

One interesting thing discussed at the Map and Brochure meeting last week, was Pan American airline's long history in the Grove. A nice little aviation museum might be a great thing.

The Pan Am Seaplane Base at Dinner Key, is important in the history of the aviation.

All the old airplane hangers are still standing and being used, i.e. The Fresh Market, Grove Harbour, etc. and the old Pan Am terminal is City Hall.

While many people like the idea of turning City Hall into a museum, the merchants would like to possibly put the museum in the central business district. People can then be taken over to the terminal and hangers.

This photo is of the old airport lobby (now City Hall). The old globe is now housed at the Miami Science Museum, here in the Grove.

Apparently a phone call or two would bring out all of the old Pan Am items: uniforms, brochures, plans, photos, promotional items, advertisements, etc. Lots of remarkable history. I ran into one of the Grove characters this weekend and she told me she was the one instrumental in getting city hall renovated and then she started crying when she talked about a reunion with old pilots and flight crews at City Hall some years back, after the renovation. Pan Am is still very special to many people.

The museum would be an attraction that people would come out of their way to see -- flying and aviation buffs would love it. Travelers and history buffs would also appreciate it.

Photo courtesy of Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce