The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) has announced the grand opening of the Joe Clark Innovation Lab, a new, cutting-edge facility designed to inspire and nurture the next generation of aerospace pioneers. This 1,600-square-foot lab, part of the NAHF’s Discovering Flight program, offers nearly 400,000 annual visitors an immersive, hands-on experience in aviation and aerospace innovation.
Since launching Discovering Flight in 2020, the NAHF has been dedicated to making aerospace education accessible to all. This journey began with the Problem Solving with Wilbur and Orville program, a STEAM-based elementary curriculum developed in partnership with ThinkTV/PBS. Supported by the Ohio Department of Education, this initiative has reached over 6,000 classrooms across Ohio, impacting over 200,000 students in under-resourced districts.
The Joe Clark Innovation Lab represents the next phase of this vision. Inside the lab, students of all ages can engage with a variety of educational tools and activities:
- Flexible Workspaces: Tailored areas for younger students to interact with curriculum-based projects.
- Design Studio: This space, equipped with 3D printers and scanners, allows older students to work on advanced research and design projects.
- Aviation Petting Zoo: A rotating collection of aviation materials offers hands-on learning opportunities.
- Bruce R. McCaw Idea Pad: A quiet, creative nook for brainstorming, problem-solving, and reading.
To further expand its educational impact, the NAHF has partnered with the Southwest Ohio Education Technology Association (SOITA) and Dayton’s ThinkTV/PBS to develop a scalable series of K-12 class and group visit programs. These programs are aligned with Ohio Learning Standards and Next Generation Science Standards, ensuring they meet the highest educational benchmarks.
The lab is named in honor of NAHF Enshrinee Joe Clark, an aviation innovator whose contributions have forever changed the industry. Clark’s groundbreaking winglet designs are now ubiquitous in modern aircraft and are credited with saving billions of gallons of fuel, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of air travel. “Joe Clark’s legacy is one of visionary innovation,” said Aimee Maruyama, President and CEO of the NAHF. “His work continues to inspire new generations to push the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace.”
“The Joe Clark Innovation Lab is more than just a learning space; it’s a place where imagination takes flight,” Maruyama continued. “By providing students with the tools and inspiration they need, we are fostering the future leaders of aerospace and continuing the legacy of innovation that defines our nation’s aviation history.”
The Joe Clark Innovation Lab was made possible thanks to the generous support of the State of Ohio and key partners, including the Bruce R. McCaw Family Foundation, the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, Aviation Partners, The Berry Family Foundation, The Kettering Fund, The National Aviation Heritage Alliance, Ohio 529 College Advantage, Cirrus Aircraft, Garmin, and many individual donors.
For more information on the National Aviation Hall of Fame, please visit nationalaviation.org.
