Leo J. Kohn Photography Collection

Leo J. Kohn Photography Collection

Digitization and Preservation Project

Leo J. Kohn was a pivotal figure in Wisconsin aviation history, known for his unparalleled passion for and dedication to documenting aircraft.

He played a key role in the formation of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), becoming its fourth member.

However, it was his work on the ground as a photographer that truly distinguished him.

Read more about Leo in Forward in Flight

His extensive photographic coverage of aircraft from the 1940s, '50s, and beyond, encompassing over 34,000 images, coupled with his meticulous notes on each plane, is a testament to his dedication.

The collection is truly a treasure trove for aviation enthusiasts.

Learn More about Leo & the Photograph Collection

Local & National Significance

General Mitchell Airport - Milwaukee
General Mitchell Airport - Milwaukee
Downtown Milwaukee - Maitland Airstrip
Downtown Milwaukee - Maitland Airstrip
1949 Cleveland National Air Races
1949 Cleveland National Air Races

Famous Airplanes & Incredible Stories

Origins of EAA History

Origins of EAA History, Photo 1
Origins of EAA History, Photo 2
Origins of EAA History, Photo 3

"If you were looking for a photo of an airplane from the 1930s, '40s and beyond, chances are Leo Kohn had it."

Leo Kohn Photo
Aerobatic
Aerobatic
Airline
Airline
Antique
Antique
Open Cockpit
Open Cockpit
Corporate
Corporate
Experimental
Experimental
Foreign
Foreign
General Aviation
General Aviation
Sailplanes
Sailplanes
Homebuilt
Rotorcraft
Jet
Jet
Military
Military
Post-WWII
Post-WWII
Racers
Racers
Unique
Unique
Rotorcraft
Rotorcraft
Seaplanes
Seaplanes
Skiplanes
Skiplanes
Warbirds
Warbirds
World War I
World War I
Utility
Utility

Meticulously Detailed Index and Metadata

Collect Air Photos Cover
Collect Air Photos Inside
Kohn Master Index Page
The Mike Aircraft - Envelope
The Mike Aircraft - Photo

Modern Digitization Techniques

Ford Tri-Motor
High-resolution digitization of the negatives using modern equipment produces rivet-level detail. See this specific Ford Tri-Motor (N6983) aircraft in-person in the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum.
Ford Tri-Motor Zoom

You can help!

You'll be excited to hear about our ambitious plans for this photo collection!

  • We're thrilled to announce that with your help, WAHF will be developing a dedicated public website for the entire collection, which will be accessible to you.
  • The extensive data on the envelopes will make the entire collection easily searchable for you.
  • We're currently working on museum displays, history presentations, and plans to publish a book, all for your enjoyment, education, and personal research.
  • The large size of the negatives allows us to capture and preserve incredibly high-resolution digital images from the source media. These large images are more costly to store and preserve.
Kohn Website Early Proof of Concept
Your generosity is much appreciated for this important mission!

$55,555 raised out of $98,765 needed!




Sponsor a Stack of Negatives

Donate $3,000 or more, receive one 8" x 10" printed photo of your choice from the collection.


Donate by Check

Make your check payable to "Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame Inc." Please write "Kohn Collection" in the memo of your check and mail to:

WAHF c/o Colleen Weber
240 Marina Ct #10
Waterford, WI 53185

Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
Our Federal EIN is: 39-1561425. No goods or services were provided to you in exchange for this gift.

Questions?

Email us if you have questions or comments about the photo collection, digitization project, donations, or media requests:

kohn@wahf.org

Thanks to our Generous Donors

BUSINESS NAME
SKYCOM
PLANE SAFE MX


BUSINESS NAME
SKYCOM
PLANE SAFE MX
OTHER PLACES THAT GAVE
HEY THIS IS NEAT


Dan Silvers

Tad Oelstrom

Bryan Kust

Fr Bill Menzel

Joanne Hepp

Jamey Engels

Andrew Maag

Mark Coyne

Elena Grover

Ethan Brodsky

Connie Hofeldt-Rowe

Ron Vandervort

Dixie Igou

Jon Helminiak

Roland Schable

Bob Massie

Dave Frederikson

WAHF Allocation

Amy Rabideau Silvers

Rose Dorcey

Pat Weeden

Jim Zuelsdorf

John Dorcey

Jill Mann

Colleen Weber

Scott Green

Henry Peterson

Tom Bouchard

George Cudahy

Janis Sierra

Dan Brandenstein

Brad Volker

Terry Blaser

Harold "Duffy" Gaier

Hal Bryan

Rose Dorcey

Sam Knutson

Edward Punjak

Jeanne Thomas

Darrel W Gibson

Rachel Mercer

Charles Swain

Richard Hanusa

Richard Schmidt

Margaret & Larry Burton

Aeronautics Zivko

Duane Esse

Jimmy Szajkovics

Don Kiel

Keith Mathews

Douglas Tomas

Debra Gangwish

Bob Kunkel

Joe Moreth

Pete Drahn

John Dodds

Bill Green

Lynn Erickson

Andy Crowbridge

Michelle Wrobleski

Patti Bruha

Darlene Yazbak

Mal C. Gross

Sam Wiltzius

Erin Thompson

Bill Kohn

Carolyn DeLong

Kurt Mehre

Alan Georgia

Howard Seaborne - Author

Charles & Luann Boie

Wynne Williams

Peter Jensen

Karen Kalishek

Dale Walker

Peter Bunce

Bobbie Wagner

Bruce & Rae Botterman

NewView Technologies

Steve & Sharon Krog

Bill Green

Tom Hegy

Jerry LeBarron

John LeBarre

Billy Parker

Keith Gerard

Gene Calkins

Bill Kohn

Misc - Donation Box

John Dorcey

Sharon Krog

Steven Poole

Jason McDowell

James Hackman

Peter VonGliderGuy

Mary Ellen's Friend

Misc Cash

Mary Ellen Kohn-Buday

Basler Flight Service

Jeffrey Ward

Walter Bauer


SILENT AUCTION DONORS

Joe Moreth

Pete Drahn

John Dodds

Bill Green

Lynn Erickson

Andy Crowbridge

Michelle Wrobleski

Patti Bruha

Darlene Yazbak

Mal C. Gross

Sam Wiltzius

Erin Thompson

Bill Kohn

Carolyn DeLong

Kurt Mehre

Alan Georgia

Howard Seaborne - Author

Charles & Luann Boie

Wynne Williams


🌹 = Inductee
Navion Aircraft