Mission
The National Museum of World War II Aviation will provide unique educational experiences that promote a deeper understanding of the historical importance of American aviation in World War II and its role in shaping the world in which we live.
The Museum does this to preserve and strengthen the best traditions of the American aviation past and inspire new generations of leaders and innovators in the future.
Vision
The National Museum of World War II Aviation is the only museum in the world to focus exclusively on the unique story of the role of aviation in World War II.
The Museum will bring to life:
- How a nation came together as never before or since, and the many stories behind the great effort
- How pilots and their support personnel, whose courage and patriotism remain a source of inspiration, changed the course of world history
- The unique partnership between civilian and military expertise that created a winning aviation team
- The surge in industrial productivity that overwhelmed our adversaries
- The introduction of women into the workforce
- The aircraft designers and builders whose innovations created entirely new technologies for flying
These important stories, and many others, continue to have great power to teach and inspire future generations.
Museum Development
The National Museum of World War II Aviation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, overseen by a board of directors and assisted by a select group of consultants.
The Museum site is in Colorado Springs, adjacent to the shared runways of the Colorado Springs Airport and Peterson Air Force Base. The Museum will feature interactive displays, exhibits and historical narratives.
On-site with the Museum is WestPac Restorations, one of the foremost restoration companies for WWII aircraft. As part of their experience, Museum visitors can see WestPac’s collection of WWII warbirds and see restoration in progress.
Financial Support
$2.5 million of Museum needs were funded between 2005 – 2009, including:
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation
- Development of strategic and interpretive plan
- Initial concept plan for scope of Museum
- Development plan for Museum site
- Materials for initial Museum building
- Architectural and site planning
- Construction of campus infrastructure grading, site prep, roadways and taxiways
- Museum building architectural design
- Museum building permits
The National Museum of World War II Aviation is seeking funding for final designs and the capital construction costs.
Planning and Design Phase $1,115,000 (est.)
|
$ 500,000 $ 350,000 $ 60,000 $ 30,000 $ 50,000 $ 25,000 $ 100,000 |
Capital Campaign $14.5 million (est.)
|
$ 2.5 million |
Board of Directors
Col. James M. Stewart, USAF (Ret) - Co-Chairman, Board of the Directors
Bill Klaers, President, WestPac Restorations - Co-Chairman, Board of Directors
Board Members
Col. Victor C. (Vic) Andrews, USAF (Ret.)
Gen. Ronald Fogleman, USAF (Ret.)
Lt. Col. Chic Myers, USA (Ret.)
Development Committee
Vic Andrews
John Henry
Bill Klaers
Jim Palmer
Jack Pasalevich
Susan Skramstad
Mark Earle
Public Relations / Communication Committee
John Dibbs
John Henry
Museum Planning Office
Kathyrn Janak, Project Manager
Advisors
Harold and Susan Skramstad, Museum Planning Advisors
Design and Architecture
Conceptial images for the core exhibits designed by Gallagher & Associates, a world-renowned museum design and consulting firm
http://www.gallagherdesign.com/
A storage and support facility for museum exhibits and programs is already in place on the museum site. Site planning and core and shell building architecture has already been completed by OZ Architecture, a leading firm for architectural and urban design
