West Chester's Helicopter Museum Expands Hours Under New Director

WEST CHESTER, PA – The American Helicopter Museum and Education Center (AHMEC) is ready for visitors again, with longer hours and a new executive director.

West Chester's American Helicopter Museum will extend visitor hours beginning April 9. The museum is slated to open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon until 5 p.m., working toward operating again on its regular schedule, while following the Pennsylvania State and Chester County COVID-19 mandates.

AHMEC said it will also book COVID-compliant birthday parties, group tours, and special events. The museum offers over 3,000-square-feet of flexible space, wireless internet, a public address system, kitchen facilities, and free parking. Educational programs for groups of all ages provide visitors with a hands-on experience of rotary wing aviation. Student programs align with state curriculum standards, the museum said in a news release.

“We try to live our mission (of) preservation, education, and inspiration in every aspect of our operations,” explained Paul Kahan, AHMEC's newly promoted Executive Director. “Through our exhibits, special events, and educational programs, we create opportunities for visitors of all ages to expand their understanding of these amazing aircraft.”

The American Helicopter Museum and Education Center, 1220 American Boulevard, West Chester, is the nation’s premier aviation museum devoted exclusively to helicopters. Established in 1996, the nonprofit organization collects, restores, and displays rotary-wing aircraft, including over 35 civilian and military helicopters, autogiros, and convertiplanes.

Kahan became Executive Director in February of this year, having joined AHMEC in 2017 as the Education Program Manager. He earned his doctorate in U.S. History from Temple University and served in a variety of managerial and director-level capacities at several museums and historic sites prior to coming to AHMEC.

Kahan, a Montgomery County native, is a member of the American Association of Local History and the Pennsylvania Historical Society. He currently lives with his family in Delaware County.

“The American Helicopter Museum and Education Center is truly one of Chester County’s gems. There is something here for everyone!” Kahan said.

Learn more about the American Helicopter Museum and Education Center here.

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