 Northwest Airlines began humbly on October 1, 1926 as a two-plane airmail carrier between Minneapolis/St. Paul and Chicago flying two rented, open-cockpit biplanes.
From there, as the industry changed, several other airlines entered the Northwest family including: Republic Airlines, North Central Airlines, Southern Airways and Hughes Airwest. Current operating partners of Northwest, operating as Northwest Airlink are two regional airlines: Mesaba Airlines and Pinnacle Airlines.
Today, Northwest Airlines is the world's fourth largest airline with hubs at Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, Tokyo and Amsterdam and more than 1,700 daily departures. With its affiliates, Northwest serves nearly 750 cities in almost 120 countries on six continents. Northwest employs 45,000 people worldwide with approximately 18,000 of them stationed in Minnesota.
Thanks to the efforts of a number of volunteer employees and retirees, Northwest's rich history has been preserved in the NWA History Centre. Photographs, scale models, books and framed art have been collected and are available for future generations of employees to glimpse into the rich heritage of Northwest Airlines.
The Northwest Airlines History Centre is an independent entity conceived, established and staffed by volunteers consisting of present and former employees, retirees and friends of the airline.
The NWA History Centre is conveniently located in the NWA Federal Credit Union building in Bloomington, Minnesota — minutes from the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport and the Mall of America.
NWA History Centre
8101 - 34th Avenue South
Bloomington, MN 55425
(952) 997-8000, ext. 6102
HOURS
Monday through Friday
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closed Saturday - Sunday
ADMISSION
Free, but donations are appreciated.
Directions from MSP Airport:
 Exit the airport on Interstate Highway 494 West. Exit to 34th Avenue South. Turn left (south) on 34th Avenue. Continue south past 80th Street. The entrance to the credit union building is approximately 1/2 block past the intersection. Turn left onto Appletree Square. The Credit Union building is on the right, parking is available in back. |
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Did You Know?
*** Northwest Airlines has operated continuously under one name longer than any other U.S. Airline.
*** Northwest's Camille "Rosie" Stein was the first female executive in U.S. commercial aviation serving as assistant secretary from 1934-1941.
*** Nearly 60 years ago, Northwest pioneered the "Great Circle Route" across the Pacific Ocean to Asia when other airlines said it couldn't be done.
*** Northwest Airlines was the first airline to ban smoking on its flights.
Donations & Volunteers
Donations of Items and Volunteer Time Appreciated
Not sure what to do with Northwest items stashed in your basement or attic? Consider donating them to the History Centre for current and future generations of employees to enjoy .
Donations of items from Northwest or any of the airlines that are part of Northwest's Heritage will be considered for the display.
The Northwest Airlines History Centre is a non-profit organization. Operating funds will be raised through donations and the sale of merchandise. Admission to the History Centre is free, but donations are appreciated.
Items donated to the History Centre are tax deductible.The History Centre will not place a value on items donated; you will have to determine the value yourself. Upon request, a tax deductible donation form will be sent to you or is available when donated items are brought in.
Consider donating your time by becoming a History Centre volunteer. We'll be happy to work around your schedule and usually request a minimum of 3 hours at one time. Volunteers are not expected to be historians. Your enthusiasm and efforts to make visitors feel welcome are a big part of being a volunteer.
If you would like more specific information in regards to donations, contact Dru Dunwoody at his e-mail address - info@nwahistory.org. For more specific information in regards to volunteering, contact Al Carriveau at his e-mail address - volunteer@nwahistory.org. If you prefer, you may call the History Centre direct at 952-997-8000, ext.6102.
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Become An Associate Member
It is easy to become an Associate Member of the NWA History Centre. With membership,  you'll receive a periodic newsletter, discounts on souvenir merchandise and clothing. You'll also receive invitations to special events and more! Applications are available at the History Centre or by calling 952-997-8000, ext.6102.
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