Arkansas Aviation Historical Society

The Arkansas Aviation Historical Society was founded in 1979 by Eddie W. Holland, then director of the Arkansas Department of Aeronautics, and Richard (Dick) Holbert of Central Flying Service. Holland had previously responded to a request by the National Air and Space Museum (NASM) in Washington DC to provide the museum with names of significant people or events within the state for a potential kiosk exhibit in the museum at which a visitor would select a state and then view a short video describing its people or events. Holland planned a trip to DC to visit with Don Lopez, deputy director of the NASM, to discuss the project and invited Holbert to go along. The meeting went well, except that Holland learned that only three or four other states expressed interest in participating. The project was eventually abandoned.

While waiting for their flight home from DC, Holland and Holbert discussed what to do with the information Holland had uncovered. The conversation turned to the fact that Colorado had one of only four aviation halls of fame in the country, and the two agreed that Arkansas should have one. (All but a few states would eventually have an aviation hall of fame.) Upon returning to Arkansas, Holland organized a meeting of aviation enthusiasts to gauge interest in such an endeavor, and approximately fifteen individuals representing airports, clubs, fixed-base operators (FBOs), and pilots attended.

The group formed the first board of the newly minted Arkansas Aviation Historical Society. Committees were established to create the constitution, bylaws, and criteria for membership. The group selected Holbert as the president of the society on Holland’s motion, as Holland believed that his position as a government official disqualified his serving in that capacity.

The first hall of fame induction ceremony was held at the Camelot Inn in the fall of 1980. Inductees were Louise Thaden, Nathan Gordon, James S. McDonnell, J. Carroll Cone, and Charles M. Taylor. U.S. Senator Dale Bumpers was the master of ceremonies.

Eddie Holland, who was inducted into the hall of fame in 1984, retired from his state position in 1985 and moved to Florida. Dick Holbert served as president for many years and then remained on the board. He and his brother, Don Holbert, were inducted in 2006.

For additional information:
Arkansas Aviation Historical Society. https:/www.arkavhs.com (accessed July 16, 2025).

Arkansas Aviation Historical Society Collection. Butler Center for Arkansas Studies. Central Arkansas Library System, Little Rock, Arkansas. Finding aid online at https://arstudies.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/findingaids/id/13331/rec/1 (accessed July 16, 2025).

“Aviation History Society to Induct Five Arkansans into Hall of Fame.” Arkansas Gazette, October 12, 1980, p. 6A.

“Aviation Society Plans Museum.” Arkansas Gazette, February 15, 1980, p. 11A.

Green, William. “Aviation History Is No Longer Up in the Air.” Arkansas Gazette, June 1, 1980, pp. 1F, 8F.

Richard Holbert
Little Rock, Arkansas