Securing the Superfortress for Future Generations

Step inside the Museum’s Aviation Pavilion and you can’t help but notice it right away—the Boeing B-29 Superfortress gleaming as brightly as the day it rolled off the Boeing factory floor.  

“The upkeep of our aircraft is never-ending, especially those in the Aviation Pavilion,” says Senior Curator Matthew Burchette. “The Pacific Northwest climate is hard on metal, rubber, and paint. Luckily, we have benefactors who help fund our constant work.”  

In the case of the B-29, that benefactor is Marlene Taylor Houtchens, who’s been a devoted supporter of The Museum of Flight for more than 40 years. Driven by a deep connection to the B-29 known as T-Square-54, Marlene established the Lowell Houtchens and Marlene Taylor Houtchens Endowment for Aircraft Preservation. Its purpose: To ensure the care and conservation of T-Square-54 and other historic aircraft at the Museum. 

One of the largest aircraft built during World War II, the prototype XB-29 first took to the skies from Boeing Field in 1942. T-Square-54 flew at least 37 combat missions with the 875th Bomb Squadron of the 498th Bomb Group. In 1993, the iconic aircraft was brought to The Museum of Flight, where restoration efforts continue to this day. 

Marlene’s journey with T-Square-54 began in the early 1990s, when her late husband Lowell joined the B-29’s restoration team as a volunteer. The couple met at Boeing—Marlene in 747 Program Management, Lowell in Boeing Commercial Sales. Both shared a lifelong love of aviation. Marlene quickly became a hands-on fundraiser for the aircraft, selling boarding tickets, initiating a donation drive and even managing its parts database. 

“I’m happy to know the long-term care of T-Square-54 and other aviation treasures at the Museum will continue to inspire awe and wonder for generations to come.” – Marlene Houtchens

Today, ten years after the B-29’s move to the Aviation Pavilion and the “unwrapping” ceremony celebrating its placement on permanent display, she remains committed to its maintenance. Every summer, she sponsors the detailing and upkeep of the bomber, working closely with Renny and Diane Doyle of Detailing Success. While this volunteer team of expert detailers, also known as the Detail Mafia, donate their time, Marlene ensures they have everything they need, covering meals, transportation and supplies. 

Marlene says of her endowment, “I’m happy to know the long-term care of T-Square-54 and other aviation treasures at the Museum will continue to inspire awe and wonder for generations to come.”  

Want to help preserve aviation history or support a particular Museum program? Named endowments are a deeply impactful way to support the Museum’s future and build a lasting legacy.

Image Left: Marlene and Lowell at the 1998 Museum of Flight Hangar Dance Gala.

Image Right: Marlene Taylor Houtchens, stands next to The Museum of Flight’s Superfortress T-Square-54. This was not its official name. It’s the wing, squadron and individual plane identifier from World War II. The 73rd Bomb Wing used a square as its sign, and the 498th Bomb Group within the wing used a ‘T’ for its sign. The “54” was the individual plane number. 

(Photos courtesy of Marlene Taylor Houtchens)