THE NATIONAL SOARING MUSEUM

The National Soaring Museum (NSM), perched atop Harris Hill just outside Elmira, New York, stands as one of the only two museums in the United States dedicated exclusively to the preservation and celebration of motorless flight.

Harris Hill and Elmira are widely regarded as the “Soaring Capital of America,” thanks to more than 80 years of rich soaring history — a heritage that continues to draw aviators, historians, and enthusiasts from around the world.

Our Mission & Why It Matters

The National Soaring Museum preserves and interprets the heritage of motorless aviation — honoring the pilots, designers, and enthusiasts who pioneered gliding in the United States. By safeguarding gliders, aircraft, archives, and stories, we ensure that current and future generations understand the technological, cultural, and local significance of soaring.

Moreover, NSM connects our community — once a global center for glider manufacturing and competition — to a broader narrative of innovation, aviation history, and recreational flying. As a cultural and educational resource, the Museum celebrates not just planes and pilots, but the spirit of exploration, engineering, and quiet flight.

What You'll Find at NSM

At our museum, visitors can explore:

• A vast collection of vintage and historical gliders and sailplanes — many rare and significant in the history of motorless flight. 
• Soaring memorabilia, photographs, trophies, and archival materials that trace the development of gliding from its earliest days in Elmira through mid-century contests, WWII glider training, and post-war soaring culture. 
• Educational exhibits and programming aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of soaring, aeronautics, and the science of flight. 
• Visitors also have the opportunity to pair their visit with a real glider ride, offered by the adjacent Harris Hill Soaring Corporation — making for a memorable way to experience the gliding heritage of Elmira firsthand.

Invitation

Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious — the National Soaring Museum warmly welcomes you to explore the wind-whispered legacy of silent flight. Discover rare sailplanes, learn about the evolution of soaring, and stand in the place where American gliding took root.

Join us at Harris Hill — Soar Through History!