The Flying Queens Museum is ready for takeoff Saturday, Feb. 18, and is expected to fly high with those attending the 10:30 a.m. grand opening.
In somewhat of a crowning moment, a vintage Beechcraft Baron emblazoned with the Flying Queens logo was mounted outside the museum this week as final details were addressed inside the state-of-the-art facility that is part of Mabee Regional Heritage Center. The plane is like those used through the years to fly players to games across the nation.
Wayland Baptist University officials will join with representatives of the Hutcherson Flying Queens Foundation to officially open the museum, which will then be open to the public until 4 p.m.
Stepping into the Flying Queens Museum is like walking onto a basketball court while surrounded by 75 years of history intermingled with digital displays providing stats and stories. The centerpiece of the museum is an exquisite display paying homage to the 2019 enshrinement of the 1948 to 1982 Flying Queens teams into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The museum also highlights the Flying Queens’ 131-consecutive-games winning streak, which is still the record for both men’s and women’s collegiate basketball, and there is so much more to see and experience.
It’s not just the legendary success of the Flying Queens on the court that is told in the museum. The facility also stresses Wayland’s pivotal role in providing educational opportunities for women long before Title IX. This is a place that honors the contributions Wayland and the Flying Queens made to women’s basketball.
The grand opening coincides with Wayland’s annual Homecoming celebration. Many former players have come home for both the opening of the Flying Queens Museum and the Homecoming celebration.
Fantastic accomplishment!
So much incredible history. This museum is long overdue and glad people will be able to read and discover the unbelievable story of the Flying Queens.
Great job by everybody involved.
That’s so cool
My father flew those planes and hauled the Queens all over the country and Canada
I so wanted to be there to share this wonderful occasion with my fellow Queens. Health issues have kept me home. Have a wonderful grand opening and may the Queens continue to fly high.