Michael Howell – Cavalcade of Wings

The Albuquerque Historical Society proudly recognizes Michael Howell with an Albuquerque History Accolade for his transformative leadership of the Cavalcade of Wings at the Albuquerque Sunport. Through his dedication to research, accuracy, and public education, Michael has elevated the long-standing aircraft model exhibit into a vibrant aviation history museum that significantly enhances public understanding of Albuquerque’s rich aviation heritage.

Michael Howell was born on Sandia Base while his father was serving with the Air Force at Kirtland Air Force Base. After graduating from Eldorado High School in 1974, he enlisted in the Air Force at the age of seventeen. Following his enlistment, he attended the University of New Mexico beginning in 1979 using his GI Bill benefits. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture in 1987 and later completed a Masters of Architecture in 1997.

Michael’s professional path included several years at the General Mills cereal plant in Albuquerque before he joined the 377th Civil Engineer Group at Kirtland Air Force Base as a staff architect. During this time he met Harry Davidson, founder of the Cavalcade of Wings, who would later play an important role in Michael’s work with the organization. After serving as Base Architect at Holloman Air Force Base, Michael returned to Kirtland in 2002 as a Senior Facility Engineer for the Air Force Research Labs, a position that allowed him to explore many historic Air Force facilities that are rarely seen by the public.

In 2010, Harry Davidson recruited Michael to serve as Insignia Committee Chairman for the Cavalcade of Wings, entrusting him with the aviation insignia collection and related archival materials displayed at the Sunport. After retiring from the Labs in 2018, Michael recognized that the exhibit needed revitalization following Harry’s retirement. With renewed energy and a commitment to preserving aviation history, he became Chairman of the Board and Curator in the fall of 2021. Within two years he secured unprecedented funding that enabled a full rebranding effort, including a new logo, website, and the formal establishment of the exhibit as an Aviation History Museum.

In 2023, when the Sunport announced plans to relocate the Cavalcade of Wings to the Great Hall, Michael saw an opportunity to expand and modernize the exhibit. In January 2025 he oversaw the successful relocation of approximately nine hundred aircraft models and began installing new military and civilian displays, including one dedicated to New Mexico’s Air Force heritage. Since the move he has added more than ninety new aircraft models, researched overlooked aviation events across the state, and meticulously verified the historical accuracy of all archival materials to ensure the integrity of both the exhibit and the Cavalcade of Wings website.

Through his vision and extraordinary attention to detail, Michael Howell has ensured that the Cavalcade of Wings continues to serve as a dynamic and authoritative resource on New Mexico aviation history. His work exemplifies the spirit of the Albuquerque History Accolades program, and the Albuquerque Historical Society is honored to recognize his outstanding contributions.