Aircraft Collection
Our biggest claim to fame is our 22+ vintage aircraft collection which we still fly regularly!
Current Exhibits
- Women in Aviation
- History of Brodhead Airport
- Golden Age Aircraft Models
- The Kelch Story
- Bernard Pietenpol’s workshop replica
- Airmail History
Frequently Asked Questions
Who flies these airplanes? Why are you in Brodhead? Where can I get flying lessons?
We’ve got answers for ya!
collections
Aircraft Collection
The 22 original vintage aircraft in our collection range from 1927 to 1946. Featuring rare engines, such as the Wright J-5, De Havilland Gipsy, and Salmson, hand carved propellers, and fabric coverings, each demonstrates unique aspects of the Golden Age of Aviation in the USA.
Some are from Al Kelch’s original collection, some have been donated, and some are on long-term loan to the museum. Within our fleet are an original Taylor E-2 Cub, a Stearman C3B with a fascinating history, the only airworthy Butler Blackhawk in existence, and a Travel Air with a direct link to Charles Lindbergh.
We keep many of our planes airworthy, so on any given summer’s day you’re likely to see one soaring overhead.
Learn more about Our Aircraft:
1928 Travel Air 2000
Rose Parrakeet
1936 Aeronca LB "Low Wing"
1938 Rearwin Sportster "Deluxe"
1929 Fleet Model 7
Automobiles & Motorcycles
Our fleet of original vintage automobiles includes a 1930 Studebaker Erskine, 1936 Ford Phaeton, and 1940 Buick Roadmaster.
Aviation technology brought changes to every form of transportation, and some early aircraft were powered by auto or even motorcycle engines!
Looking for a little Old Hollywood glamour? Our gorgeously restored and running 1936 Ford Phaeton can be rented for special events.
Archive & LibrARY
With over 10,000 original books, magazines, photographs, and other media, our archive and library covers all aspects of aviation history. We’re happy to provide researchers, aviation enthusiasts, students, and the general public access to informative, rare, and historic aviation media! A cornerstone of our mission is to provide education and awareness to the public and the aviation community about the Golden Age of Aviation.
Media – whether it be photographs, original building plans, vintage magazines, or in-depth biographies – is instrumental to education and historic record. Many of our archival materials are very old, and require care and conservation. Donated materials make up the majority of the collection. Please reach out to us if you would like to make an archival donation, or contribute to our archive & library fund.
2026 Local Artist - Misty Cole
Every year, the museum features a local artist in our atrium gallery. This year, we are thrilled to present “The Sky’s The Limit,” an exhibit of 35 aviation-themed handmade quilt and textile art pieces by Sun Prairie quilt artist, Misty Cole.
“The Sky’s the Limit” exhibit will be on display from March 21st to December 31st, 2026. All original art pieces are available for purchase. Thirteen of these works are new and based on The Kelch Aviation Museum’s collections of flyable antique aircraft and aviation artifacts.
The second set of art quilts in “The Sky’s the Limit” were made in 2016 based on the collection at the College Park Aviation Museum in College Park, MD, where they were displayed in 2017.
Featured Exhibits
Women in aviation
Homebuilt History: Pietenpol
Bernard H Pietenpol, known as the “Grandfather of the Homebuilt Airplane,” was the designer of the first aircraft to successfully be powered by an automobile engine, in 1929. His blueprints, published in Popular Mechanics, made aviation accessible to the average American, in spite of the hardships of the Great Depression.
Our exhibit includes artifacts and original photos from the Pietenpol family, a recreation of Bernard’s workshop, blueprints, engines, and a flyable Pietenpol Air Camper that was built in 1937 by Bernard himself.
Airmail History
The US Postal Service launched Air Mail service in 1918. But aviation was still in its infancy – no radios, crude weather forecasting, and only maps & compasses for navigation. Being an air mail pilot became the most dangerous job in the country, and it was a battle to prove aviation could compete with the railroad systems.
By the 1930, however, those original airmail routes had grown into earl passenger airline routes, mail was flown day and night in all weather, radio navigation began, and aircraft developments all made the job safe, reliable, and modern.
How did such change happen in barely a decade? Find out the fascinating story of early airmail in our exhibit, and through historic presentations by our educators.
Leo Kohn photography
Wisconsonite Leo J. Kohn had a passion for aviation and history and was perhaps best known as a superb photographer and accomplished aviation historian. His archive of meticulously documented aircraft photos covers general aviation, military and commercial airliners. The Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame now holds Kohn’s vast collection of 34,000 original photographic negatives.
In 2024, WAHF teamed up with the museum to present a permanent immersive exhibit showcasing Leo’s groundbreaking work in aviation photography, and featuring photos, information, and a recreation of Leo’s basement darkroom. It is on display in the Wagner Welcome Atrium.
History of the Kelch family
Alfred & Lois Kelch are the namesakes of our museum and spent their lives collecting, restoring, and promoting vintage airplanes, starting way back in the 1950s. Inventors and innovators, Kelch Manufacturing Corp. was a successful plastics and industrial automation business based in Mequon, Wisconsin. When Al & Lois retired in the 1980s and sold their business, they grew their airplane collection even more and eventually moved it to Brodhead Airport, where the museum lives today. Read all about the family and business history in our newly researched display.
2026 Local Artist - Misty Cole
Every year, the museum features a local artist in our atrium gallery. This year, we are thrilled to present “The Sky’s The Limit,” an exhibit of 35 aviation-themed handmade quilt and textile art pieces by Sun Prairie quilt artist, Misty Cole.
“The Sky’s the Limit” exhibit will be on display from March 21st to December 31st, 2026. All original art pieces are available for purchase. Thirteen of these works are new and based on The Kelch Aviation Museum’s collections of flyable antique aircraft and aviation artifacts.
The second set of art quilts in “The Sky’s the Limit” were made in 2016 based on the collection at the College Park Aviation Museum in College Park, MD, where they were displayed in 2017.
S.I.A. Flight Simulator
The Kelch Aviation Museum is proud to offer training opportunities in a flight simulator provided by the Students in Aviation Foundation (SIA) in Baraboo, Wis. The simulator is a Linux-based gaming computer running X-Plane, with a 56” monitor and full flight controls. It can be used for various levels of flight training from students to commercial pilots.
The museum regularly hosts free flight simulator classes, as well as drop-in learning opportunities and professional training availability. Drop by today to explore, or contact us to inquire about upcoming classes!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you handicap accessible?
Yes, the entire museum is accesibl for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. Please contact us if you would like more information or special accommodations – we are happy to do all that we can to make your visit smooth and comfortable!
Are there nearby places to eat?
Although you are welcome to picnic on the museum grounds, there is no restaurant located in the museum or airport. There are several local restaurants we recommend:
- The Sand Burr is a great little diner half a mile away
- Rock N Rollz subs is a great local sandwich shop
- Fat Boyz Pizza is our go-to for movie night pizza – and they deliver!