William Buckingham is an experienced, museum professional. On July 18, he assumed the role of Executive Director of the 390th Memorial Museum, where he is exercising his passion for aviation and history.
William recently directed the Kitt Peak National Observatory’s visitor program with its multifaceted astronomy outreach and education programs, and facilities. He has written numerous grant proposals and worked with major sponsors and donors. He served as the Visitor Center Program Manager at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center leading a major expansion of the Center’s programs along with the design and installation of dramatic new exhibits. William is an experienced informal science educator and public outreach expert, having served in leadership roles at Lowell Observatory, science museums, an arts center, planetariums, and two NASA centers.
The 390th Memorial Museum is a separate museum on the grounds of the Pima Air & Space Museum (included with admission) that houses the last B-17 Flying Fortress flown by any branch of the U.S. military and displays vehicles, exhibits, and artifacts that unearth WWII, specifically the efforts of the 390th Bomb Group.