FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bob Wearley, bob@commercialfilter.net, 260.410.1592
or Geoff Robison, grobison@eaa.org, 260-437-5579
National Airmail Museum Receives Funding for Feasibility Study
FORT WAYNE, IND. – The National Airmail Museum announced that it has reached its initial fundraising goal of $50,000 to begin a feasibility study. President Trump signed legislation in 2018 that designated Hangar 2 at Smith Field in Fort Wayne, Indiana, as the site for the National Airmail Museum.
Tom Kelley, President of Kelley Automotive Group, is a strong advocate of the project. “Flying airplanes is one of the greatest passions in my life”. “I am excited to see this initiative become a reality for the community of Fort Wayne, and the Nation, to preserve this important piece of aviation history. The National Museum will portray the growth of the early development of commercial aviation to what we experience today and will entice young aviation enthusiasts to pursue a career in aviation.”
“The feasibility study is the first big step to test project viability and exploring the sustainability to ensure long-term success of the project,” states Chuck Surack, CEO of Sweetwater Sound, along with, Mark Music, Owner, President and CEO Ruoff Home Mortgage, supporters of the National Airmail Museum.
The feasibility study will be performed by ConsultEcon, Inc. in Cambridge, MA., in collaboration with Tessellate Studio in New York City, They provide economic feasibility management and planning services to non-profit organizations and come highly recommended by other museums around the country.
The National Airmail Museum relies heavily on private funding to make this dream a reality. Legislation was previously passed by the US Senate declaring that no government funding will be made available to the National Airmail Museum for restoration of the historical Hangar 2 facility at Smith Field.
If you would like to donate to the Museum Restoration Fund please make your check payable to:
“Friends of Smith Field”
P.O. Box 28
New Haven, IN 46774
Or go to; https://www.gofundme.com/National-Air-Mail-Museum
About the National Airmail Museum: The National Airmail Museum will be a place for the community to come together and celebrate the storied history of Fort Wayne and the city’s role in aviation history and the development of the National Airmail Service. The Museum will be housed in Hangar 2 at Smith Field Airport and feature interactive, hands-on exhibits that provide an in-depth perspective and bring this story to life. The museum will also be home to the Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) Chapter 2 Headquarters, gift shop and a uniquely themed dining experience.