History of Delta Flight Museum in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 31, 2025

The Delta Flight Museum, located in Hapeville, Georgia, near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, is an aviation and corporate museum housed in two historic 1940s Delta Air Lines hangars. Designated a Historic Aerospace Site, the museum's mission is to showcase aviation history, celebrate Delta's story and people, and explore the future of flight. Its collections and exhibitions feature over 40 airlines related to Delta's history. As a non-profit organization, the museum relies on volunteers, sponsorships, donations, and revenue from events and merchandise. It's an ongoing project with continuous additions to its collections.

1928: Monroe Cafe served as Delta's headquarters

From 1928 to 1941, The Monroe Cafe in Hangar One served as Delta's headquarters.

January 4, 1941: Delta Ship 41 delivered to Delta

On January 4, 1941, Delta Ship 41 was originally delivered to Delta. It would later become one of the most faithfully restored passenger transport DC-3s in the world.

1941: Headquarters moved to Atlanta

In 1941, Delta's headquarters were moved to Atlanta from Monroe, Louisiana.

1975: Manufacture of McDonnell Douglas DC-9-50

In 1975, McDonnell Douglas DC-9-50 registered N675MC (ship no. 9880), was built.

1982: Boeing 767 Delta Ship 102 acquired

In 1982, Delta Air Lines acquired its first Boeing 767-200, Delta Ship 102 (N102DA), named The Spirit of Delta.

1985: Manufacture of Boeing 757-200

In 1985, Boeing 757-200, registered N608DA (ship no. 608), was manufactured.

December 8, 1989: N661US delivered to Northwest Airlines

On December 8, 1989, N661US, the first production Boeing 747-400, was delivered to Northwest Airlines.

1990: Campaign started to find a Douglas DC-3

In 1990, a group of Delta Air Lines retirees started a campaign to find one of Delta's original five purchased-new Douglas DC-3s from the early 1940s, eventually finding Delta Ship 41 in Puerto Rico.

May 23, 1995: Delta Air Transport Heritage Museum incorporated

On May 23, 1995, the Delta Air Transport Heritage Museum was incorporated under Georgia law as an independent nonprofit corporation.

1995: Ship 41 Restoration

From 1995 to 1999, Ship 41 was painstakingly restored by active and retired Delta employees and volunteers to its exact original configuration and appearance when it was first delivered to Delta on January 4, 1941.

October 8, 1999: Ship 41 restoration completed

On October 8, 1999, Delta Ship 41 was painstakingly restored to its original 1941 configuration by Delta employees and volunteers.

2001: Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation

In 2001, Delta Ship 41 was the first aircraft to be presented with an award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

October 9, 2002: Emergency landing in Anchorage

On October 9, 2002, Northwest Flight 85 (N661US) made an emergency landing in Anchorage due to a rudder malfunction.

2004: The Spirit of Delta anniversary tour

In 2004, The Spirit of Delta was repainted and toured the country to celebrate Delta Air Lines' 75th anniversary.

March 3, 2006: The Spirit of Delta arrives at the museum

On March 3, 2006, The Spirit of Delta, a Boeing 767-200, arrived at the Delta Flight Museum after a farewell tour around the United States.

March 2006: The Spirit of Delta replaced as flagship

In March 2006, The Spirit of Delta was replaced as the flagship of the Delta fleet by a Boeing 777-200LR named The Delta Spirit.

2009: Merger with Northwest Airlines

In 2009, Northwest merged with Delta, and N661US became Delta Ship 6301.

2011: Designated a Historic Aerospace Site

In 2011, the Delta Flight Museum, housed in two 1940s-era Delta Air Lines aircraft hangars at Delta's headquarters, was designated a Historic Aerospace Site.