Fueled by a dedication to future generations, William E. Boeing, Jr. spent his lifetime committed to furthering education and preserving aerospace history. Born on November 22, 1922 in Seattle, he was instrumental in turning a small, local museum into one of international importance, today's Museum of Flight. William Boeing, Jr. enjoyed a successful career constructing industrial buildings. He also started a helicopter charter, Aero-Copters, building a base at Boeing Field. At the time, Aero-Copters was one of the most important such companies in the Pacific Northwest. He also imported Volkswagens for the Northwest. Volkswagen did not have dealers at that time and Boeing was able to buy the cars in Germany, import them to the United States, and sell them for a profit. Interested in the formation of the Museum of Flight to honor the legacy of Boeing, and the history of flight, he was a long-time trustee. When his father started the Boeing Aircraft Company in 1916, the main building was known as the Red Barn. Much later, the Red Barn's future was in jeopardy when the land was taken over by the Port of Seattle for a container operation. In 1975, Boeing was able to move the Red Barn to today's Museum of Flight property at Boeing Field as its centerpiece. Boeing was awarded the Museum's prestigious Pathfinder Award in 2010 - a distinction he shares with his father, who received the award in 1980, the first time both a father and son have received the honor. He passed away January 8, 2015.
Inducted in 2014.
Portrait Location: Near R-44 and B-5 Brougham

Induction Video