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Ellen Belcher is the Dayton Daily News opinion pages editor. She writes about state government, education, the environment, higher education and all things Dayton.
Martin Gottlieb is an editorial writer and columnist for the Dayton Daily News opinion pages. He focuses on the political process itself and does such national issues as war, the economy, taxes and Social Security, as well as a hodge-podge of local and state issues.Home > Blogs > A Matter of Opinion > Archives > 2009 > May > 17 > Entry
Ellen Belcher: AF museum dissing Dayton, Wright brothers
Here’s a sad number. Just 50,000 people visit Dayton’s Wright brothers National Park sites each year.
This includes the interpretive center in West Dayton (adjacent to the inventors’ bike shop); Wright Hall at Carillon Park (which houses the world’s first practical airplane); and Huffman Prairie Flying Field (where the Wright brothers learned to turn corners and where there’s a second visitors’ center).
To give you a feel for just how small that number is, more than 100,000 people attend every Ohio State home football game, even if the Buckeyes are playing Bowling Green.
Meanwhile, more than 1 million people visit the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force annually. Many of them go there, spend the day and keep on driving.
On Thursday at 4 p.m. — not exactly prime time — there were cars in the museum parking lot bearing licenses plates from no less than 18 states and Ontario.
An hour before closing time, families from Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Wisconsin and Missouri were still making their way through the massive complex that boasts “more than 17 acres of indoor exhibit space.”
The cranks who say Dayton doesn’t have anything to see, and that tourists will not come here, have not been to the Air Force museum. They probably also have not visited the Wright brothers park sites either. But forget them.
The bigger problem is the missed opportunity the museum represents to capture visitors and to showcase Dayton. Visit it and you’ll find one little, obscure kiosk promoting Dayton and other local historic aviation sites.
The arrangement may as well scream, “There’s nothing to do after you leave here!”
There also are two sad sack brochure racks, promoting sites such as Carillon Park (where Wright Hall is), and the information desk had a stack of park service brochures. But there’s no real effort to get people to stay on, or even to let visitors know that Dayton is the home of the airplane’s inventors, the men who sold the Army its first plane.
(That event — which occurred 100 years ago — was what gave rise to the U.S. Air Force.)
Asked why there isn’t more promotion of Dayton’s National Park sites at the museum (after all, Huffman Prairie Flying Field is on Air Force property), a spokesman wrote:
“We partner with the local convention and visitors bureaus, who provide an electronic kiosk in our atrium, as well as brochure racks with information on other local attractions, both in our atrium and near our cafĂ©. The Dayton/Montgomery County CVB fills the brochure racks and provides information for the kiosk, and the Greene County CVB has an agreement with the Dayton/Montgomery County CVB to provide information on their attractions as well.
“Please keep in mind that exhibit space at the museum is at a premium, and our mission is first and foremost to tell the story of the U.S. Air Force.”
Yes, but.
Isn’t the Air Force interested in the communities that host it, the places its airmen live? Hasn’t Dayton been passionately supportive of Wright-Patterson, the Air Force and the museum? Aren’t we in this together?
Two decades ago when Dayton started trying to get a national park honoring the Wright brothers, there was terrific cooperation with the Air Force. Important generals had to do flip-flops to convince their superiors that tourists could be brought onto Huffman Prairie without compromising security. Today, the concern is a non-issue, and that spirit of honoring the Wright brothers and working together feels like a thing of the past.
The Smithsonian calls its National Air and Space Museum in Washington “the most visited museum in the world,” which tells you something about people’s interests in things that fly. Lucky for us, Dayton has its own air and space museum in our backyard — and an incredible story to tell about the Wright brothers’ lives. But the Air Force museum isn’t driving people our way.
How can that be? How can two taxpayer-funded entities — the Park Service and the museum — not be made to work together?
On Thursday, a visitor from Kentucky was reading the Wright brothers’ exhibit at the museum and commented in amazement to his buddy, “Hey, it says here they grew up just seven miles away.”
It makes your heart sink.
Further along, another sign explains that it was at Huffman Prairie where the Wrights made history by completing the first full circle in flight. But there’s no placard that adds, “You are here” — spitting distance from that very spot.
As you leave the museum, there is a sign on Riverside’s right-of-way, paid for with donations, that directs visitors toward Huffman Prairie, which to many fliers and history buffs is sacred land.
What a shame the Air Force museum can’t see past its little island. Orville and Wilbur are being so betrayed.
Permalink | Comments (45) | Post your comment | Categories: City of Dayton, Columns, Ellen Belcher, Local History, Wright Patterson Air Force Base
Comments
By Earl Jackson
May 17, 2009 8:21 AM | Link to this
Typically, a reporter blames everything and everyone but the perpetrator. Dayton, and only Dayton, is resposible to promote itself. Belcher Belcher ststes in BelcherBy Davidss2
May 17, 2009 9:12 AM | Link to this
Yes, it’s all someone else’s fault. Dayton city never does anything wrong. Ha ha. ===========Maybe Dayton could put up some more redlight cameras and make a little bit more money and put up some signs. Or maybe they could use the redlight camera money to make it afer to go the West Side museum. Then they try to connect their favorite ethnic poet house into the developement on the West Side. I have been to the site two times in the past 5 years. One to take pictures for a school project. One to take a youngster to see what was there. Not a secure feeling; but that’s what the Dayton folk have wanted to justify as being okay because, well just because, it’s the way people want to live. Now it Gottlieb and Belcher want to live in the area around the West Side, I might consider their advice credible, but they don’t and I don’t.By Jocko
May 17, 2009 9:54 AM | Link to this
I don’t know if I’d go so far as calling people “cranks” for not visiting the Wright Bros. Nat’l Park but I agree, it is an opportunity lost.By davidss2
May 17, 2009 10:01 AM | Link to this
Perhaps we need to go further into why people don’t want to drive into West Dayton. We can look into the vacant land nearby and wonder why DDN didn’t build their production plant for the newspaper there. Odd they want visitors to a major attraction advertised nationally to drive difficult routes to get tot eh West Side area to visit a small museum —and don’t forget the poet house— and yet DDN didn’t put their production plant alongside Rt. 35, e.g. Lots of land and it would have done wonders to revitalize the area and make it safer.By davidss2
May 17, 2009 10:06 AM | Link to this
Each time I reread the editorial, I get more incensed by the hypocrisy. =======to wit: What a shame the Air Force museum can’t see past its little island. Orville and Wilbur are being so betrayed.======and this is from the DDN who prints its paper in the next county? Why not build your plant in the Dayton tax base after for years criticizing businesses who left Dayton. What’s good for the goose wasn’t good for the gander in DDN’s case. Maybe Dayton City can buy a billboard across from and nearby the entrance. They can use money from nonexistence police for savings from fewer officers for public safety or use their money form the redlight cameras to pay for the billboard.By Patrick
May 17, 2009 12:58 PM | Link to this
Talk about a missed opportunity. The Air Force Museum put on a great event Friday night (Night at the Air Force Museum), with no coverage from the DDN. Luckily some of the news stations picked up the event to inform the public of what was coming. I had to wait in traffic for an hour because it was so packed, but there was no coverage from the DDN. As for your column, why is it the responsibility of the Air Force Museum to promote other attractions more than they already are? This is a federally funded museum, which charges NO ADMISSION FEE to visitors. I agree other local attractions should capitalize on the million visitors who go there, but it is their own responsibility. Your article says there is a kiosk and pamphlets available in the front entrance, information center and near the cafe. What else do you want? Should they spend their own advertising budget to promote other attractions? Don’t these other attractions have a budget of their own? You reference the Smithsonian Museum, another federally funded museum in your story. Do you think they are spending their advertisement money trying to get people to go to other places in D.C.? I don’t think so. Your column is completely off-base. It is too bad that only 50,000 people visit these other sites, but that doesn’t mean you should place blame where it doesn’t belong.By Paper watcher
May 17, 2009 2:22 PM | Link to this
Patrick, the DDN did have coverage from Friday night. Perhaps not as much as you’d have liked, but on page A4, there were two nice photos by Jan Underwood. There was also an event in downtown called Urban Nights, and being 100+ venues to 1, likely got some attention. Perhaps groups in the area could work with the CVB on scheduling so that wouldn’t happen. Also, perhaps that same CVB is the one that ought to provide a shuttle bus (at least on weekends) to get people to other places of interest in the area. Most people don’t feel comfortable driving to an area they aren’t familiar with. (The NMOTUSAF is a big place with lots of parking, so people are more likely to feel protected there.) ON THE OTHER HAND, perhaps the CVB has offered, and been turned away by the NMOTUSAF.) I don’t know.By Cletus
May 18, 2009 8:47 AM | Link to this
I’ve lived in Dayton, and have gone to school in Dayton for years. I’ve been to OSU games, UD games, and the Air Force Museum multiple times. The reason I’ve never gone to the Wright Brothers sites? because I had no idea they were there, or where they are. How about some marketing and promotion (instead of whining and crying). Let the people know you exist and maybe someone will come visit.By John
May 18, 2009 10:06 AM | Link to this
“…if you build it, they will come…” Ellen Congratulations and thanks for volunteering to chair the Process Action Team (PAT) to stimulate Dayton tourism and specifically increased traffic flow to all sites you’ve named. You see, anyone that complains, must not only have solutions but the wherewithall to do something about it! You may select anyone for your PAT and we expect to see results as you’ve identified the key metric as “attendance.” Your performance (and any future pay raises OBTW) will be judged based upon your improvement of said metrics. Now let’s get to work! (How about including Young’s Dairy ‘cause they didn’t promote your cause either? — just a thought…)By Timothy R. Gaffney
May 18, 2009 10:16 AM | Link to this
Ellen’s editorial has prompted a great discussion. To anyone who has a passion for Dayton’s aviation heritage: There are plenty of ways to contribute, from simply visiting sites to joining one or more of the many organizations in this region. Don’t know where to start? Go to www.AviationDayton.com for information on places you can visit and groups you can join. Jump in!By Skip Raymond
May 18, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this
Anyone looking for a list of the other aviation sites in the Dayton area should go to www.visitNaha.org.By Charles Plott
May 18, 2009 12:48 PM | Link to this
Ellen Belcher’s last name is a verb- she belches about lost opportunities but what does she offer to make things better? The AF Museum has always been supportive of Dayton and the events put on to honor Dayton’s aeronautical achievements. How about using some of this energy to open communications for something other than whining? How about using this energy to create useful ideas? How about recognizing the AF Museum operates with 500 volunteers, people who are proud to help, for free! Come up with good ideas and those same people will be right there woth you.By Dan
May 18, 2009 1:17 PM | Link to this
Ellen- I think what you have missed in your analysis of the NATIONAL Museum of the United States Air Force is that it’s a NATIONAL museum. I don’t think it’s the responsibility of one museum to promote the various other museums in the area. Being someone in works for a Miami Valley company, I see this no different than you asking my company to cross promote for some of the other similar businesses in the area. I applaud your efforts in promoting the many wonderful aspects of Dayton but using the Wright Brothers as pawns in bitter diatribe is weak. I have a feeling that if the Wright Bros. were alive today they would spend the entire day at the Air Force Museum while laughing at your futile attempt at trying to organize a pity party.By Ellen Belcher
May 18, 2009 3:32 PM | Link to this
Re the comments that the AF museum is a “national” museum or isn’t obligated to promote the Wright brothers or Dayton: What about the visitors, the people who drive (or fly) great distances to see the museum? Shouldn’t the goal be to give them a great experience? By promoting the other sites, the museum would be doing them the favor.By Jan
May 18, 2009 5:13 PM | Link to this
I find it significant that this editorial comes immediately after a wildly successful event (Night at the Air Force Museum). From all accounts, it sounds like the Museum had a crowd of over 10,000 people come through its doors in a four hour time span. But where was the Dayton Daily News? Kudos to the National Museum of the USAF for putting the “obscure kiosk” and “sad sack brochure racks” in their atrium. Seems to me that they’re doing more to support other local historical sites then the DDN did in reporting on a HUGE event that was clearly important to its readers in the Miami Valley. Maybe we could yell at the Dayton International Airport next for their display of information by the luggage claim. Or maybe we should let the airport focus on landing planes. And maybe we can let the National Museum of the USAF continue to present Air Force history. Judging by their past and present successes, I’m guessing the staff at the NMUSAF is busy enough without taking on the responsibility of making every aviation park/site in the Dayton area successful.By Eddie
May 18, 2009 5:28 PM | Link to this
So it seems like the Wright Bros sites are trying to get something for nothing (or VERY little here). You really expect the Air Force Museum to use their resources to drive visitors away from THEIR facility to another? They need to support their efforts too. Which include curating billions of dollars worth of exhibits. Maybe if the Wright Bros museum wanted the traffic they would put a billboard up near the Air Force Museum or go there and hand our brochures. Or maybe they just want the Air Force to pay for their marketing too?By Washington Township
May 18, 2009 8:27 PM | Link to this
People keep forgetting this national park is, by law, a partnership between the Department of the Interior and the Department of the Air Force. Both government agencies. One half of the national park is on Air Force Property and the NPS and base cooperate to operate this half, which is Huffman Prairie and exhibits and the vistors center and grounds of the Wright Memorial. So it’s not as much an us-&-them thing as being spun here.By Liz
May 19, 2009 8:29 AM | Link to this
While I understand the point of this article, it isn’t necessarily the Air Force Museum’s responsibility to promote other museums or landmarks in the area. Nor can they make their visitors go to Wright Brothers related attractions. Why doesn’t the DDN do more to promote local historical places of interest if it’s so easy to do?By Mick
May 19, 2009 11:39 AM | Link to this
If Dayton were really to take pride in the Wright Brothers contributions to Dayton, I suggest we make an effort to get their bicycle shop and homestead back from Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan. You remember that, don’t you Ellen? Dayton sent the Wright Brothers home and bicycle shop packing because the city didn’t think it were worthy to keep. Should the Air Force Museum put up directions as to how to get to Dearborn, also?By Jeff
May 19, 2009 12:47 PM | Link to this
That would be another reason more people visit the Air Force museum. Its in an open, well lit, safe area. The facility is also free to enter, the cafe is decently priced, as are the gift shop items. I believe the carillon park charges admission (to see the reynolds clock, a couple shacks, and a model of ONE airplane) and their cafe is WAY overpriced and extremely slow. So lets see I can see hundreds of aircraft (including wright brothers aircraft) in a safe friendly environment for free and eat cheap, or get nickle and dimed to see a bunch of rubbish and one aircraft?By photopilot
May 19, 2009 3:15 PM | Link to this
OK, I can only stand by and observe this for so long. Jeff…that airplane isn’t a model, it’s the real thing Pal, and the only original Wright aircraft within 500 miles. It’s at Carillon Park for a reason….Orville Wright put it there.By Bert
May 19, 2009 4:55 PM | Link to this
I know a LOT about both the Wright-Dunbar neighborhood and the NMUSAF. The first house I ever knew was near Second and Broadway and I could walk by myself to Third and Williams (adjacent to the Wright Cycle Shop) anytime I wanted to. That was a fun neighborhood to grow up in. The Farmers’ Markets on Third Street from Williams to Broadway on Saturdays were sights to behold. My first trip to the NMUSAF, however, was not until I was 16 and since then I have probably visited there more than a hundred times — the Wright-Dunbar area probably less than a half-dozen. I’m sorry to say, I am embarrassed to recommend visitors to go there. If you want out-of-town visitors to go to the Wright Dunbar neighborhood, then spend som emotional — and journalistic — energy getting it cleaned up and safe for visitors in the first place.By Frank
May 19, 2009 5:01 PM | Link to this
I would understand if these other Dayton based sites operated solely on donations, then they would deserve a little kickback from neighboring attractions. But certainly not through name calling and whining. Perhaps setting up a partnership for cross promotion. Also how many fliers and brochures for the Air Force Museum are at Carillon park?By Mick
May 19, 2009 9:02 PM | Link to this
And one more thing - the headline says that the Museum “disses” Dayton? Say what? Exactly how does the Museum dis Dayton? Something is really wrong with the reporting on this or you’re just trying to get a cheap rise out of people. I suspect both, and those are signs of disreputable writing. Ellen, you’re way out of line on this whole story, and your credibility is shot.By Chris
May 20, 2009 2:32 PM | Link to this
This editorial is just another perfect example of why DDN, and most other liberal newspapers, have declining subscribers. Why on earth would anybody want to spend hard earned money on a paper that does nothing but create division and animosity in the community it supposedly serves? DDN certainly failed in “helping out” the Dayton area when they chose to pack up and move to a county with lower taxes. You see, Ellen, it comes down to dollars and cents. And the people who butter your bread know it all too well. I moved to Dayton from Wisconsin back in 2000 and was appalled by the crime encountered in this community. Maybe DDN should look into “why” people choose not to visit West Third Street and then “do” something about it. Whining and finger pointing has never solved anything and DDN seems to do a lot of that from what I see. I also think that Ms. Belcher’s editorial is not so much written to bring attention to the plight of these less visited museums as it is to sucker punch the NMUSAF, WPAFB, and the history of military service. “AF Museum dissing Dayton, Wright Brothers” is sensational journalism at its sensationalist best. I can confidently say that the NMUSAF has done much more to enrich the community than DDN ever has. The recent Night at the Museum, the frequent performances of the Air Force Band of Flight, and last falls Air Force Tattoo all show what the Museum give… for free! In all respect Ms. Belcher, you are way off base bemoaning the good people at the Air Force museum. Please do a piece telling us “why” people don’t visit these other sites… Oh! That would be “real journalism” wouldn’t it?By davidss2
May 20, 2009 3:11 PM | Link to this
I’m seeing a pattern in the editorials. I note a pattern in people’s recognition of the poor level of editorials, and of reporting, in the local paper. I think we need to let Cox Newspapers, Atlanta, know we need better for our community. Search cox newspapers on the web and find a phone number or email for the vice-presidents to let them know.By Pat
May 21, 2009 1:52 PM | Link to this
Let’s see and editorial about how the Dayton CVB is not doing its job! Promoting Dayton is NOT the responsibility of the Air Force. DaytonCVB obviously NOT doing its job.By Dayton transplant
May 23, 2009 11:08 AM | Link to this
www.nps.gov/daavBy Mark W
May 25, 2009 11:16 PM | Link to this
I agree that the Air Force Museum and the Wright Brothers NHP should cross-market to help visitors come away with a more complete experience. But this editorial, like a lot of “someone should do something” Dayton promoters is painfully short on ideas. What specifically do you think the museum should be doing?By Ellen Belcher
May 26, 2009 10:00 AM | Link to this
Some easy stuff: the other aviation-related/Wright brothers sites need to be seriously promoted at the museum — in a visible way. That would be a service for the visitors to the musuem. At the Wright brothers exhibit in the museum, visitors need to be told how easy it is to visit Huffman Prairie, just a few minutes away. They need to know there’s a great visitors’ center there that, like the museum, is free. How about some signs that say “to learn more about….”? But beyond these little things, there needs to be a mindset that looks for opportunities to leverage each institution’s strengths and events. How hard can that be?By Samuel
May 26, 2009 1:12 PM | Link to this
How many signs or directions are at the Wright Brothers sites which direct visitors to the free Air Force Museum? Also, why is it the responsibility of the Air Force museum to promote other sites? If the organizations which operate the other sites which to have their museums promoted, why cant then pay to have a kiosk, signage, or fliers put up at the Air Force Museum. What promotional efforts have been made by the neighboring sites to increase traffic to their museums? You can’t simply blame the Air Force museum for your low attendance and accuse them of stealing, or hoarding visitors simply because more people visit that site or because they promote themselves more.By David
May 27, 2009 10:38 AM | Link to this
Awareness, accessibility and availability. People don’t know. Accessibility, maybe shuttles and buses? And a self guided tour? Availability what hours and days are they open? Dayton loves and promotes the USAF. It is a love that can be returned by the Museum a little, they need to think beyond the task at hand and to the greater heritage of aviation. Not all of the heritage is at the base but it is what got them there. I love all of it. It all started in a bike shop and it has taken us into space.By Chris
May 27, 2009 1:38 PM | Link to this
Ms. Belcher, Again, in typical liberal fashion, your only solution to this issue is to “Get something for nothing.” As I understand it, the National Museum of the United States Air Forces sole source of funding in from donations and gets little if any support directly from the US Treasury department or Air Force. Maybe I’m wrong, but if that’s the case, where would the Museum get the additional funds to purchase the signs you recommend? Also, I understand that the Air Force Museum operates with a small core of paid staff with the remainder of the operations being dependant on volunteers to promote, and serve this gem in the community. If you don’t like the way things are being done out there then why don’t you join this volunteer group and promote the other sites you seem so troubled about. Sitting on the sidelines and whining about things will never get anything accomplished. If you want to promote the area around the community, why don’t you volunteer your time to do so? I’m sure Huffman Praire, Wright/Dunbar, Carillon Park, and the NMUSAF would greatly appreciate your work. I find it ironic that DDN has nothing apparent on their website promoting these “treasures of our community.”By Ellen Belcher
May 27, 2009 1:52 PM | Link to this
Chris, Thanks for reading and commenting. But you have been given misinformation. The Air Force museum is not funded solely by private donations.By Ellen Belcher
May 27, 2009 1:53 PM | Link to this
Chris, Thanks for reading and commenting. But you have been given misinformation. The Air Force museum is not funded solely by private donations.By Cameron
May 28, 2009 4:10 PM | Link to this
From their website: “In 1935 the museum got its first real home in the form of a specially designed building at Wright Field costing $203,000. Funding came through the Works Progress Administration.” [The WPA was part of FDR’s New Deal similar to the Stimulus Today] “A major museum expansion, the Modern Flight Gallery opened in April 1988. The foundation and federal government jointly funded the $10.8 million facility” [The Air Force Museum Foundation is a nonprofit organization that assists in the development and expansion of the National Museum of the United States Air Force. The Foundation receives, holds and administers gifts in the best interest of the museum.] There are also over 475 Volunteers at the Air Force Museum. http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=430By Michael
May 30, 2009 12:27 PM | Link to this
The saddest thing about Dayton is when people keep bringing up the Wright Brothers. If all you have is an event that happened 100 years ago, created by two men who just happened to be from Dayton, we’re in a lot more trouble than we think!By ph6795
June 1, 2009 7:24 AM | Link to this
Michael…the next time you get a Fedex package or get on an airliner, which you probably take for granted that you’ll get to Disney World safely… you can thank what took place here 100 years ago.By J
June 1, 2009 11:08 AM | Link to this
As to the comments re the Wright Dunbar neighborhood, where the National Park Service Interpretive Center and the Wright Brothers Bicycle Shop are located… I have worked in this neighborhood for nearly 4 years. I have NEVER had any problems coming, going or parking my car in this neighborhood. The Wright Dunbar neighborhood is full of wonderful, hard-working people who have chosen to make this part of Dayton a better place by purchasing homes and raising their families here. Yes, while true that if you travel a bit further down W Third you may not see the same things, but this neighborhood is thriving! Come visit and you will see that it is a beautiful place to be!By Insider
June 1, 2009 11:15 AM | Link to this
I don’t think Ellen Belcher blames the volunteers for the issues she raised in her editorial… I believe the problem lies with the powers-that-be at the Museum… namingly Gen Charles Metcalf who refuses to play nicely with ANYONE in the community!By Chris
June 1, 2009 1:55 PM | Link to this
“By Ellen Belcher May 27, 2009 1:53 PM Chris, Thanks for reading and commenting. But you have been given misinformation. The Air Force museum is not funded solely by private donations.” Ms, Belcher. You are the one who seems misinformed. Firstly, I am not given information, I am perfectly capable of finding it by myself, thank you very much. Contrary to what liberal media types like your self might think, the general public is quite adept at finding facts on their own and have not yet been completely dumbed down to where we need to be spoon fed information. http://afmuseum.com/pls/apex/f?p=156.:6:3699534562727242.::NO::P0_NODEID:961.:: If you choose to enlighten me where additional funding comes from, please enlighten us with a reliable and non-partisan web link. Again, you’re failing to back up your assertion that the Air Force Museum is “Dissing the Wright Brothers.” This is a serious allegation that this community deserves evidence of. Naturally you know, such accusations need incontrovertible evidence which you have up to this point failed to provide. I point to the fact that a majority of the comment contributors disagree with your assertions and find them baseless.By Mick
June 1, 2009 3:05 PM | Link to this
Just because there are no high-visibility displays at the Museum that depict and display the other attractions in the area doesn’t mean that the Museum disses Dayton and the Wright Brothers. I think your inent was to identify a perceived lack of attention on the part of the Museum to the Wright Brothers, but that’s not the case. Also, there was no mention of any shortcomings by the Aviation Hall of Fame in this regard - are they up to snuff or are they lacking also? By the way, if we had a shuttle to take folks to all of these areas of interest, they’d either have to pay out of their own pockets or the Air Force would have to fund their costs, and they’re not cheap.By Ellen Belcher
June 1, 2009 3:20 PM | Link to this
In light of some of the questions and comments, I’ve asked the AF museum folks for information about the museum’s funding sources. I rec’d the following (which doesn’t detail the federal funding; back to you all soon with the precise amount): “The museum is an official U.S. Air Force organization and receives federal funding as well as funding from the Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc. Federal funding covers day to day museum operations such as staff payroll,maintenance, utilities, and materials to design and build new exhibits. The Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc., was established in 1960 as a philanthropic, non-profit organization to assist the museum when federal funds are not available. Since its inception, the foundation has contributed more than $45 million for museum construction, expansion and facility upgrades (now worth more than $80 million in today’s dollars). The foundation operates the museum’s souvenir shop, IMAX Theatre, cafeteria and Morphis MovieRide Simulator. It receives its funds primarily through the operation of these activities as well as through foundation membership, donations and bequests.” This is from Rob Bardua, National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Public Affairs Division.By Cameron
June 1, 2009 10:25 PM | Link to this
Remember the Air Force Museum not only is a museum, but they also restore aircraft to be put on display at the museum. This is really comparing Apples to Oranges. The AF Museum is an ongoing restoration process and high profile, high dollar exhibits with highly skilled professional curators and restorers. I don’t believe the other Dayton museum sites are quite the same.By Ellen Belcher
June 5, 2009 6:11 PM | Link to this
For those who were asking about how much taxpayer support the AF museum gets, here’s the answer (from museum public affairs): “The National Museum of the United States Air Force received approximately $12 million in federal or appropriated funds in the last year to cover items such as staff civilian employee payroll, training, and travel (69% of the budget); utilities (23% of the budget); daily operations (5% of the budget); and facilities maintenance (3% of the budget). Please bear in mind that the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, which houses more than 74,000 artifacts and 400 aerospace vehicles here on its main campus, is also responsible for providing accountability and professional and technical guidance in the care of nearly 45,000 artifacts and 2,500 aerospace vehicles on loan to more than 700 sites throughout the world. Funding provided to Air Force entities by Congress is restricted to the requirements of the Defense Department and more specifically for the Air Force mission. Federal statutes such as the ‘Anti-deficiency Act,’ prohibit the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force from spending its appropriated funds on another federal entity, which has its own appropriated funding. (For example, the National Park Service, which is funded under the Department of the Interior, cannot spend its budget on the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force or vice-versa.)”