About Us

Welcome to the Gig Harbor Vintage Aero Museum, where aviation history and timeless aircraft converge to create unforgettable experiences. Nestled within Tacoma Narrows Airport, our award-winning museum is a tribute to the legacy of vintage aviation, showcasing historic aircraft, artifacts, resources, and knowledge.

Behind every meticulously restored aircraft is our passionate team, dedicated to preserving the spirit of aviation. With decades of expertise, we ensure visitors of all ages can explore, learn, and be inspired by the wonders of flight.

At the heart of our museum lies a story of passion, perseverance, and a deep love for aviation. Founded by brothers Bob and Bill Juranich, the museum reflects their lifelong dedication to the skies, a journey that began in their Kansas childhood. Their father, Joe Juranich, owned a grass strip where farmers kept planes in 13 shack-style hangars, sparking the brothers' fascination with flight.

For Bob, the allure of flight beckoned from an early age. At just 17, he took to the skies for his first solo flight in a 1946 J-3 Piper Cub, a moment that ignited a passion that would shape the course of his life. From that moment on, Bob's fascination with aviation only grew. Bill, two years Bob’s junior, bought his first plane at 18 — a 1946 Taylorcraft.

It was this passion for aviation that led Bob and Bill to embark on a mission to restore iconic aircraft, breathing new life into vintage planes that had once soared through the clouds. Among these cherished treasures is the 1946 J-3 Piper Cub which Bob first soloed in. They hired Bob Johnson after recognizing his talents in repairing and restoring antique airplanes.

After years of rebuilding airplanes at Tacoma Narrows Airport, the brothers were encouraged by Pierce County's Economic Development staff to display their historical aircraft collection publicly as a museum. It was something they had always wanted to do, so they converted a hangar at the Tacoma Narrows Airport to an aviation museum and event space, which opened in September, 2018 as the Point Fosdick Antique Airplane Hangar. Then Covid hit and the museum was shut down for two years. The museum was then renamed as the Gig Harbor Vintage Aero Museum and reopened on March 1, 2023.

Together, Bob, Bill and the team have created more than just a museum, they've crafted a legacy that honors the spirit of aviation and inspires future generations to reach for the skies.

Preserving History

Step into our expansive 12,800-square-foot museum, and you’ll be transported to an era when aviation was in its infancy yet bursting with innovation and possibility. Here, amidst the polished concrete floors and soaring ceilings, antique aircraft stand as silent sentinels, each one a testament to the early decades of aviation history.

Every plane within our museum walls tells a captivating tale of adventure and ingenuity. These vintage aircraft were more than just machines — they were symbols of human ambition, pushing the boundaries of what was once thought possible. Our collection of planes are historic treasures that hold the ghosts of aviators past in their cockpits. The difference between an aviator and a pilot lies in their essence — an aviator lives, breathes, and loves aviation. This passion is embodied in our exhibits, where you’ll find yourself immersed in the stories of those who dared to dream of flight. So our museum is more than just a repository of artifacts — it's a living, breathing tribute to the pioneers of aviation and to the beauty of vintage aircraft.

Each aircraft is restored with meticulous care, down to the type of screws used, ensuring authenticity as if it just rolled off the factory line the year it was built. Behind every restored aircraft lies a team of dedicated individuals committed to preserving the legacy of vintage aviation for generations to come. We are not just mechanics working on planes; we are caretakers of pieces of art, appreciating the variety of skills required to build these beautiful airplanes, including mechanics, leather work, woodworking, welding, and artisan craftsmanship. Our planes are not only restored to be authentic but they can still take to the air as if it were 1929.

Among our treasures is the WACO YMF, built in 1934, was once owned by Benjamin Brewster, whose father was President of Standard Oil, and later sold to the Dupont family. Many of these planes were symbols of prestige, owned by the world's richest people, the captains of industry and the elite of the East.

Yet, these aircraft also pay tribute to the common man, the farmer who hand-crafted these planes and flew them from dirt and grass fields, embodying the spirit of ingenuity, adaptability and hard work.

Our collection also features restored and drivable Model-T cars and rare, hand-crafted Willets Brothers Cedar Canoes (built in Tacoma!), further enriching the history captured in our museum.

We believe every airplane has a people story, a testament to human creativity and the relentless pursuit of what was possible. In the end, we don't just preserve airplanes; we preserve works of art and the legacies they represent.

At the heart of our museum lies a dedicated team of individuals united by their passion for aviation and unwavering commitment to excellence. Behind every meticulously restored aircraft stands a team of master craftsmen, mechanics, and visionaries, each contributing their unique talents to bring our museum to life. Our team is devoted to maintaining the authenticity of each plane, ensuring they remain as they were when they first took to the skies.

Bob Johnson: a master mechanic with over 40 years of experience. His skilled hands breathe new life into vintage aircraft, ensuring they soar once more.

Brandon Baimbridge: our esteemed executive director, whose leadership and vision guide us as we navigate the skies of aviation history.

Jayce Krag: A crucial member of our team, Jayce is our aviation detail and facilities manager. He is both caretaker and critic of our airplanes, bringing meticulous attention to detail to his work, ensuring every aircraft meets the highest standards of restoration and maintenance.

Our museum wouldn't have been possible without a dedicated team of volunteers who have contributed their time and expertise over the decades. Their passion and hard work are the backbone of our operations, and we are immensely grateful for their unwavering support.

This multi-year endeavor also would not have been possible without these supportive, steadfast, patient, and understanding spouses: Marilyn Juranich, Karen Juranich, and Annalee Baimbridge.

Together, our team is more than just a collection of individuals, we are a family bound by a shared love for flight and a desire to preserve the legacy of vintage aviation for generations to come. It is through our collective efforts and unwavering dedication that we continue to inspire, educate, and uplift all who walk through our doors.

A Community Hub

More than a museum, we serve as a vibrant gathering space for aviation enthusiasts, history lovers, and families. We are dedicated to fostering a sense of community by bringing people of all ages into the world of historic aviation.

One of our primary goals is to attract the involvement and appreciation of aviation history from future generations. Unlike most airplane museums with "closed window" exhibits, the Gig Harbor Vintage Aero Museum allows visitors to walk right up to our vintage, flight-capable aircraft, forging a direct connection with aviation history.

Our private tours, led by knowledgeable guides, dive deep into the stories of each meticulously restored plane. Free for seniors and children (with donations encouraged from others), these tours offer illuminating insights and help foster a love for aviation among future generations.

In addition to our exhibits and tours, the museum is integrated into the community through a variety of events held at our facility. From weddings and family celebrations to community events honoring veterans and charity auctions, the museum is a central hub for large gatherings. The size of our facility makes it one of the few local options for accommodating significant events, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate and support one another. This integration into the community underscores our role as not just a museum, but a cornerstone of local engagement and connection.

Looking for the perfect venue for your special occasion? Nestled in our 12,800-square-foot facility, our versatile space is ideal for weddings, corporate gatherings, and fundraisers. With 20-foot ceilings, polished concrete floors, and vintage aircraft providing a unique backdrop, events here are unforgettable. Whether you’re exchanging vows or hosting a party, let us help bring your vision to life in an extraordinary setting.

Join Us

Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, history buff, or simply curious about vintage planes, we invite you to explore the Gig Harbor Vintage Aero Museum. Let these antique aircraft inspire you, ignite your imagination, and remind you of the boundless possibilities that await when we dare to reach for the skies.

Welcome to the place where history takes flight.