About Us
The K. I. Sawyer Heritage Air Museum is an IRS recognized 501c(3) Public Charity. As such, your donations in cash or kind may be duducted at 100% of their value up to 50% of your Annual Adjusted Gross Income. The Museum is staffed by unpaid volunteers many of whom are retired military or have a military connection to the Base.
The Museum is open from 1 to 5 PM eastern time Wednesday thru Sunday from April 16 to Dec 14. During the Winter months 15 Dec to 15 Apr the museum operates from 1 to 4 PM Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun. There is no Admission Fee for the Museum. You may e-mail us at upkisham@gmail.com or call our land line at 906-346-2251. We welcome donations of memorabilia, but prefer it has an historical connection with the K. I. Sawyer AFB, Community. Our Silver Wings Community Center is available for rent at a more than reasonable rate for Dances, Conferences, Seminars, Graduation Ceremonies, Weddings, Wedding Receptions, Reunions and Banquets, etc. For local charities, we provide the use of the Community Center at no cost.
Our Story
The Museum was started during the final months of the existence of K. I. Sawyer as an Active Air Force Base. Retired Chief Master Sergeant Dan Benstrom was instrumental in the formation of the Museum as a functional operation. He was aided by Mr. Nolan Duquette, Mr. Robert Vick, Mr. Leland Nellist, Mr. Le Elder, Mr. James Elder, and several others. The Museum is committed to developing and promoting aviation, both Military and Civilian, by understanding the history of aviation in the Upper Peninsula. We are here to aid in the education of the general population on the importance of airpower in the defense of our nation and the growth of aviation in or national economy. "Lest We Forget the personal sacrifices of those who served at home and abroad."
Delivery & Returns
We ship by USPS anywhere in the United States including Alaska and Hawaii. There is a standard shipping cost based on the weight of the shipment. For purchases over $100, the Musuem will pay the shipping cost. If you receive your mail at a P.O. Box you may have to go to your local Post Office to receive your package.
We do accept returns on T-shirts and Sweatshirts, but only if they are the wrong size. Items received broken or otherwise damaged will be replaced at no cost to the client. All we ask is that the client provide a photo of the damaged item by e-mail to "upkisham@gmail.com" when making the claim of damage. If an item must be returned because it arrived damaged or was the wrong item, please call (906-346-2251) in advance so we can work out corrective action. You may return items by the most expedient means available to you, USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc. within 30 days of purchase. Report any fraudulent charges to your card carrier immediately upon notice and also let us know so we can be on the lookout for the fraudster. We will then initiate an Investigaton into how it happened and take steps to prevent it from recurring.
Payment Info
The Museum Gift Shop accepts Major Credit/Debit Cards from Master Card, Visa and Discover Card, Money Orders, Cash or Checks. Simply follow the promptes. Bounced Checks will be charged $35 in addition to the value of the check. If the system is functioning properly, you may purchase from the Gift Shop using your Credit/Debit Card. If the item you wish to purchase will fit in a standard First Class envelope or manila envelope, we encourage you to e-mail us at upkisham@gmail.com with your phone number and we will call you and treat the sale as an "In-Store" sale and only have to charge for the envelope and stamps ($2.00) rather than the package fee of $9.88. If you do not have a Credit Card you may call or e-mail us at the gift Shop (906-346-2251) and specify which Item you wish to purchase, and we will handle it the old-fashioned way. When your Check/Money order for the merchandise and shipping arrives, we will ship the item. All "In-Store" Sales must include 6% Michigan State Sales Tax.
Speaking of Shipping, we ship by USPS only and if your order exceeds $100 we pay the shipping. Sorry COD is not available.
We do our utmost to ensure customers personal details are kept secure and payment processing is safe and reliable. Our payment Processor is VizyPay and they have an exceptional record. Safeguarding your personal information is our highest priority.
