The airport was opened as a commercial airport on April 1, 1929. Charles Lindbergh, Ruth Nichols, and the Granville brothers (who were responsible for building the Geebee airplane) were among the historical aviators who flew into the airport. Records indicate that Lindbergh flew in multiple times to visit his then girlfriend, Anne Morrow, at Smith College. It is also said that Amelia Earhart studied airframe maintenance in downtown Northampton, and although not officially documented, probably did some flight training at the airport. In addition, President Calvin Coolidge, a Northampton native, would utilize the airport on visits home.
