CSUF to Share Over 500 Historical Interviews with Planned Aviation Museum in Irvine

Newswise — Over 500 Cal State Fullerton oral histories documenting the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro will soon be available at the future Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, set to open at the Great Park in Irvine as early as spring 2027.

CSUF’s Lawrence de Graaf Center for Oral and Public History will celebrate donating a copy of the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station Project from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10, at the Great Park in Irvine, 8065 Marine Way, Irvine, CA 92618.

Media are invited to tour aircraft and artifacts, located near the future site of the museum. The museum’s mission is to preserve Marine aviation history and showcase military artifacts and aircraft.

The event will include a walking tour of the museum’s artifacts, aircraft, and restoration facility. It will also include remarks from Cal State Fullerton and Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation leaders:

• Natalie Fousekis, director of The Lawrence de Graaf Center for Oral and Public History

• Jessica Yirush Stern, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences 

• Retired U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Michael Aguilar, President and CEO

• Retired U.S. Marine Corps  Lt. Gen. Terry Robling, Board of Directors Chair 

• Retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Patrick Gough ’80 (B.A. History), Board of Directors Vice Chair

Directions From CSUF

• I-5 south to Sand Canyon Ave. exit. 

• Turn left (east) on Sand Canyon Ave. and continue past the I-5 bridge.

• Turn right (south) on Marine Way. Proceed south on Marine Way for about one mile. Pass the soccer and athletic fields, and the Great Park Balloon on the left.

• Continue straight (south) on Marine Way past Skyhawk Road. Look ahead and slightly left, to see the very large old aircraft hangars.

• Continue straight (south) on Marine Way until reaching the large intersection. This intersection will have a very large white sign with “TVI”, which stands for Tierra Verde Industries, in big black letters on it. 

• Turn left (east) at that intersection and proceed up a slight incline. The Great Park Water Park is directly ahead, and on your left, you will see the two very large old hangars.

• At the east end of the southernmost hangar, turn left (north) and proceed past both hangars.

• Immediately past the second hangar (the north hangar) turn left (west) and proceed to the middle of the hangar (there will be vehicles parked there). 

• Park and enter the hangar through a small blue door.

About Cal State Fullerton: The largest university in the CSU and the only campus in Orange County, Cal State Fullerton offers more than 100 degree programs and Division I athletics. Recognized as a national model for supporting student success, CSUF excels with innovative, high-impact educational practices, including faculty-student collaborative research, study abroad and competitive internships. CSUF is a top public university known for its success in supporting first-generation and underrepresented students, and preparing all students to become leaders in the global marketplace. Our vibrant and diverse campus is a primary driver of workforce and economic development in the region. Visit fullerton.edu.

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