Mideast coast gems
Charlotte North Carolina is a relatively big hub, so if you're passing through, they've got a good museum that covers a wide range of space and includes Sully's a320 that ditched in the Hudson.
Hampton roads Virginia (includes Norfolk, Newport News, Virginia Beach) has tons of great museums. If you're there check out the Hampton Air and space museum and there's a small museum at the entrance to Langley Field. Of course Norfolk has all of the naval aviation and ship tours and Newport News has the incredible maritime museum.. And keep in mind that Williamsburg and Jamestown are less than an hour away.