The On the Air! Broadcast Exhibit is currently on display at the Impression 5 Science Center located in downtown Lansing. The science center was a perfect fit to house the updated exhibit which features a number of hands-on displays and educational opportunities including the Radio Kiosk, Weather Display, sound effects, HDTV viewing area and more!

More than 80,000 students and families tour Impression 5 on a yearly basis giving On the Air! the attendance needed to promote a career in the broadcast industry as well as preserve the rich history here in Michigan.

Please take the time to visit On the Air! in Lansing…learn more about the history of Michigan broadcasting as well as what lies ahead.

Before On the Air! made a home at Impression 5 Science Center, it first was on display at the Michigan Historical Museum in downtown Lansing. The Michigan Department of State operates the Michigan Historical Museum and each year they develop a special exhibit on a unique theme. In October 1998 and as part of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters 50th Anniversary celebration, they opened the 4,600-square-foot exhibit "On The Air!" which told the fascinating history of Michigan radio and television.

The exhibit ran at the State museum in Lansing until August 1, 1999 and was open FREE to the public seven days a week. The exhibit was developed by the museum historians and features many unique stories and artifacts from MAB member stations. More than 300,000
people visited the exhibit.

Soon after being on display in Lansing, a smaller exhibit traveled to various museums around Michigan. Each location utilized the history of broadcasting in their area to localize the exhibit. Educational events and career fairs also took place at the numerous locations.

In addition, the MAB Foundation received a grant for the On the Air Broadcast History exhibit from the Michigan Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. This grant allowed for the exhibit to travel and reached thousands more about the impact of Michigan broadcasting. 

Here is a timeline of where the exhibit has traveled over the years:

October 1998 - August 1999 
Michigan Historical Museum, Lansing
 
January 2000 - January 2001
Detroit Historical Museum
 
May 2002 - September 2002
Sloan Museum, Flint
 
September 2002 - January 2003
Castle Museum, Saginaw
 
March 2003 - June 2003
Grand Traverse Heritage Center/Conn Foster Museum, Traverse City
 
August 2003 - September 2003
Port Huron Museum, Port Huron
 
March 2004 - June 2004
Ella Sharp Museum, Jackson

July 2004 – October 2004
Jesse Besser Museum , Alpena

January 2005 - April 2005
Southwestern Michigan College, Dowagiac
 
May 2007 - September 2007
Kalamazoo Valley Museum, Kalamazoo
 
March 2007 – present
Impression 5 Science Center, Lansing