National Air and Space Museum - Directors

Directors

Carl W. Mitman was the first head of the museum, under the title of Assistant to the Secretary for the National Air Museum, heading the museum from 1946 until his retirement from the Smithsonian in 1952.

Directors have included Philip S. Hopkins, 1958-1964, S. Paul Johnston, 1964-1969, Frank A. Taylor (acting), 1969-1971, Michael Collins, 1971–1978, Melvin B. Zisfein (acting), 1978-1979, Noel W. Hinners, 1979-1982, Walter J. Boyne (acting 1982–1983, director 1983-1986), James C. Tyler (acting), 1986-1987, Martin O. Harwit, 1987-1995, Donald D. Engen, 1996-1999, and John R. Dailey, 2000–present