The American Helicopter Museum and Education Center (AHMEC), 1220 American Blvd., West Chester, has extended its visitor hours, effective April 9. The museum is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. as it works toward operating its regular schedule per the Pennsylvania state and Chester County COVID-19 mandates.

Additionally, AHMEC now accepts bookings for COVID-compliant birthday parties, group tours, and special events. It offers more than 3,000 square feet of flexible space, wireless internet, a public address system, kitchen facilities, and free parking. Education programs for groups of all ages aim to provide visitors with a hands-on experience of rotary wing aviation. Student programs align with state curriculum standards.

The museum has also announced that Paul Kahan became its executive director in February, having joined AHMEC in 2017 as the education program manager. He holds a doctorate in U.S. history from Temple University and served in a variety of managerial and director-level capacities at several museums and historic sites prior to coming to AHMEC. Kahan, a Montgomery County native, is a member of the American Association of Local History and the Pennsylvania Historical Society. He currently lives with his family in Delaware County.

For more details, contact AHMEC at 610-436-9600 or visit http://www.americanhelicopter.museum.

The American Helicopter Museum and Education Center is an aviation museum devoted exclusively to helicopters. Established in 1996, the nonprofit organization collects, restores, and displays rotary-wing aircraft, including over 35 civilian and military helicopters, autogiros, and convertiplanes.