P.O. Box 5344, Petaluma, CA. 94955 

Join the Society for Aviation History

WHO ARE WE?

The Society for Aviation History is based on a long and established successful tradition.

The original group was formed as a chapter of the American Aviation Historical Society in 1985 by the late Arthur P. Dowd and Howard "Ace" Campbell. Lindy E. Hollingsworth was its first elected president (1986-1997) and John Symons succeeded him (1997-2001), Nick Veronico (2001-2004, 2007-2010), Norm Jukes, (2005-2006), and Alice Hendricks (2011-2014), Nick Veronico (2015-2017), Rick Turner (2018-2019 RIP), Ron Close held the position through 2019, Dave Osgood (2020-2023) and Nick Veronico is our current President for 2024.

WHY ARE WE?

We are dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of aviation history or any related activity. Our Creed is the preservation of past, present, and future aviation history, the preservation of aviation artifacts: be it literature, aircraft, or support items, and the continued education of the general public in aviation related matters.

WHO CAN JOIN?

Anyone! There are no nomination requirements. If you come to some of our meetings and like what we do, please ask for an application blank. Of course, if you don't join you won't know the details of our next meeting.

WHAT DO YOU GET FOR BEING A MEMBER?

The SAH publishes a Newsletter six times a year; it holds four general meetings plus a Holiday Party, as a member, you will be assigned a membership number (your spouse will be given an associate membership) and be issued a laminated badge showing your number and address. These badges display your status as an aviation enthusiast as well as your names so others may recognize you.

DO YOU HAVE TO BE A MEMBER TO ATTEND A MEETING?

Guests are always welcome to any of the SAH meetings. You do not have to be brought by a member - just come. The only limitation is that you must reserve a seat and choose a menu. We will hold that seat upon receiving your check for the program. Incidentally, SAH board meetings are closed to non-members unless invited.

CAN YOU ATTEND WITHOUT PAYING?

No. SAH rules require a prepayment so we can have the correct number of meals on hand. The fee covers the room cost, the meal, the program, and any prizes given. Further, your fee becomes non-refundable five days before a meeting. A phone call before that deadline will get your check returned to you.

CAN YOU BRING GUESTS EVEN IF YOU ARE A GUEST YOURSELF?

Yes, there are no restrictions, other than sending your check and menu choices for the meeting to cover your party.

ARE THERE ANY FEES COLLECTED DURING THE MEETING?

The SAH does not conduct fund raising events, raffles, fine its members, sell merchandise, or ask those attending for any moneys over the program cost that your check covered. There is an open no-host bar at the meetings which you may use if you wish.

Should the SAH offer merchandise such as having the program presenter sign his/her books after the program, you will be notified in the Newsletter so you may accept this feature, and you are not asked to participate if you don't wish to.

HOW LONG ARE THE MEETINGS?

SAH meetings usually start about 11:30 a.m. and end by 4:00 p.m.. It is not unusual for some of our group to adjourn to the bar or reconvene at another site for dinner and visiting after the formal meeting. You are always welcome to join this group.

MUST YOU DO SOMETHING TO PRESERVE YOUR MEMBERSHIP?

Many of our members are researching for a book, collecting photo's, amassing a library, or otherwise compiling aviation history; you may wish to join them, but if instead you would like to receive the Newsletter and not even attend the meetings, you will be more than welcome as a member. Of course, we do ask for your membership check each year in January. If we have not received your renewal by April, we take it as your request to be dropped from our roles and we thank you for your interest during the past year.

HOW DO I JOIN?

An application can be obtained from the newsletter or from our website. Send a check or money order for $40.00 made payable to Society for Aviation History to P.O. Box 5344, Petaluma, CA. 94955. Feel free to call the chapter if you have any questions. For an online printable application please go to SAH application.

For information on our past and next meeting, go to SAH meetings