After Bellanca Airfield closed in 1954, it the land was slowly taken over until the only remaining original building was a 1936-built hangar formerly operated by Air Service, Inc.[1] Following an announcement by the owners of the hangar that it would be demolished unless an organization came forward to restore it, the Friends of Bellanca Airfield was formed in March 2003.

Seven months later, during a 75th anniversary celebration for the former airport, the state announced a matching grant for the building's restoration.

[5] Despite a slow down in fundraising, work continued and a partnership was formed with a non-profit organizing restoration vacations in 2011.

[2] It was not part of the Bellanca factory, but was operated by Air Service, Inc.[11][a] A media center is located at the museum.

[13] Exhibits at the museum include a display with the members of the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame.