The Museum opened on the 11th November, 2000 to the delight of MAPSs' members and guests, and was the culmination of 6 years of hard work.

Upon entering the building one finds themselves in a room with a counter leading through to 3 main exhibition rooms which can be browsed at leisure. These have been arranged to represent militaria, civil, and wartime aviation. There are also exhibits lining the walls of the corridors. As one wanders around looking a such objects as a Vickers machine gun and tripod, a Bren gun, mannequins in uniform, the history of aviation on the Isle of Man, models, wartime stories and facts, photographs and recovered aircraft crash parts etc., all protected behind toughened glass, wartime music is played. Apart from the entrance room and counter with books, videos and models for sale, there is a diorama of the Isle of Man hung on the wall showing wartime installations and markings of crash sites, a sponsors' Thank You board, a television and video playing topical videos, and other exhibits are scattered around the room. And there is a kitchen and toilet facilities available as well. Before arriving at the main entrance one passes by a Nissen Hut which houses the contents of the former MacClellan Hall building at Tromode, which was the Regimental Museum of the Manx Regiment.

MAMM is dedicated to the memory of those who served in a military capacity on the Island, together with those who left the Island to serve in the UK and overseas. In particular, we wish to remember and pay respect to those who lost their lives in and around the Island in over 200 flying accidents, and those who perished overseas.

It does not cover just military history, as a part of it is devoted to civil aviation in general, and is a fascinating story of local achievement in terms of both people and organisations. In addition to showing historical material we intend to celebrate the success of local enterprises with displays covering current aero-engineering and air transport of the Island.

There were few Manx families which were unaffected in some way by one or both Wars and the Museum will remind present and future generations of their ancestor’s involvement. Many Manx people are commemorated on the Island’s war memorial, but we feel that the stories behind their names are worthy of record before the memories of their families and friends fall victim to time. The stories of their surviving comrades and those of the people left at home are equally worth of record.

Through the display of gathered artefacts/memorabilia etc., MAPS hopes to convey the rich heritage of this part of the Island’s history for all to appreciate. We are always pleased to receive contact/support from people who wish to contribute to our growing knowledge of this important and absorbing subject.

Visitors can sign the Guest Book and leave a donation if they desire in a converted ammo box as there is no charge for admission anymore. If they have any artefacts which they would like to donate to the Society, they can do so at the counter, or they can loan any item to the Society for display. There are artefact donation and loan forms under the counter, just ask. The Museum is manned on a rota by volunteer members of the Society who have given up their free week-end time.

Click on the buttons below for a preview of inside the Manx Aviation and Military Museum, for details of some of the items available in the shop, or to go to the pages for the new home of the Regimental Museum of the Manx Regiment. Further details on the Museum in general can be found from the Museum Archives sections.