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
Famous Airplanes & Incredible Stories
Origins of EAA History
"If you were looking for a photo of an airplane from the 1930s, '40s and beyond, chances are Leo Kohn had it."
Meticulously Detailed Index and Metadata
Modern Digitization Techniques
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.
$45,182 raised out of $65,000 goal
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:
Thanks to our Generous Donors
Bill Kohn ⭐
Mary Ellen Kohn-Buday ⭐
Basler Flight Service 🌹
EAA Chapter 1158
EAA Chapter 766
Ken Cook Publishing
Monona Senior Center
NewView Technologies
Zivko Aeronautics 🌹
Camera Casino, Oshkosh
Greg Anderson
Anonymous
Walter Bauer
Jeff Baum 🌹
Joan Bickelhaupt
Terry Blaser
Charles & Luann Boie
Bruce & Rae Botterman
Tom Bouchard 🌹
Dan Brandenstein 🌹
Ethan Brodsky
Krys Brown
Patti Bruha
Hal & Muffy Bryan
Peter Bunce 🌹
Margaret & Larry Burton
Gene Calkins
Dan Coyne
George Crabtree
Andy Crowbridge
George Cudahy 🌹
Kim Davis
Carolyn DeLong
John Dodds
John Dorcey 🌹
Rose Dorcey 🌹
Pete Drahn 🌹
Dee Dreger
Jamey Engels
Lynn Erickson 🌹
Duane Esse 🌹
Harold "Duffy" Gaier 🌹
Debra Gangwish
Chris Gauger
Alan Georgia
Keith Gerard
Darrel W Gibson 🌹
Bill Green
Scott Green
Mal C. Gross
Lena Grover
Kyle Guyette
James Hackman
Peter & Carrie Halbauer
Jim Hamman
Richard Hanusa 🌹
Judy Hatz
Tom Hegy 🌹
Jon Helminiak
Joanne Hepp
Tim Hjele
Connie Hofeldt-Rowe
Kyle Hokel
Katie Horton
Dixie Igou
Kimani Jefferson
Peter Jensen
Karen Kalishek
Don Kiel 🌹
Dan Knutson 🌹
Sam Knutson
Gary Kohlhof
Steve & Sharon Krog 🌹
Sandra Krueger
Karen Kuchevar
Ken Kulesha
Bob Kunkel 🌹
Bryan Kust
John LeBarre
Jerry LeBarron 🌹
Hang and Ling Yi
Larry Ludlum
Chris Lussow
Jill Lussow
Andy Maag
Jill Mann
Bob Massie
Keith Mathews
Jason McDowell
Claude McFarlane
Jerry Mehlhaff 🌹
Kurt Mehre
Fr. Bill Menzel
Rachel Mercer
Ann Meyer Schmidt
Joe Moreth
Anika Nelson
Mandi Neumann
Kenyon Nowotny
Tad Oelstrom 🌹
Billy Parker
Henry & Sandi Peterson
Sandi Peterson
Steven Poole
Edward Punjak
Dave Rudd
David Sakrison
Roland Schable
Richard Schmidt 🌹
Howard & Robin Seaborne
Krystyn Secaur
Janis Sierra 🌹
Amy Rabideau & Joe Silvers
Dan & Heidi Silvers
Lisa Simons
Jeff & Barbara Skiles 🌹
Fred Stadler
Michael Stopar
Bill Streicher
Charles Swain 🌹
Jim & Donean Szajkovics 🌹
Jeanne & Tom Thomas 🌹
Erin Thompson
Douglas Tomas
Ron Vandervort
Brad Volker
Peter von Tresckow
Bobbie Wagner 🌹
Dale & Nancy Walker
Jeffrey Ward
Colleen Weber
Pat Weeden
Wynne Williams
Sam Wiltzius
Michelle Wrobleski
Darlene & Phil Yazbak
Nancy Zjaba
Jim Zuelsdorf
Caroline "Blaze" Jensen 🌹
Jim Busha
Brennans Market, Middleton
Eileen Bjorkman
Howard Seaborne
Discover Oshkosh / Wagner's Market
Sporty's
Kelch Aviation Museum
"Jordyn Drawz Planes" Jacobson
Skycom Avionics
Kenosha Plumbing
Michelle "Mace" Curran
Rose Dorcey 🌹
Stein's Aircraft Services LLC
Anonymous
Aviation Soul - Alan & Meredith Johnson
Jet OUT
ASA - Aviation Supplies & Academics
Kwik Trip
4ever Creations Studio
Rich Morey
Lightspeed Aviation
Michelle "Mace" Curran
Wausau Flying Service
Tom Culbert
Twin Disc
Cindi Pokorny
Steve Benesh
Jeweler's Bench Jewelry Store
Julie Green
