The WACO Historical Society will utilize state funds to build a new 6,000-square-foot Museum-Learning Center inside a replica of the original WACO Service Hangar. State funds also will be used to make improvements and modifications to the existing hangar, which will permit on-site restoration of these vintage aircraft.
The project will double museum and learning center space, allow for the display of artifacts now in storage, and provide dedicated classroom space for educational programming. The project also will include driveway improvements to enhance accessibility and to more efficiently handle bus tours and large groups.
“We are in the process of finalizing partnerships with state and national aviation museums to display their exhibits,” said Karen Purke, Executive Director of WACO Historical Society. “In addition, we will add never-before-displayed exhibits from Hartzell propeller, a nearby sister Ohio aviation pioneer.”
“I am pleased to learn of the approval of funds for the WACO Museum and Learning Center. This project is an excellent example of the importance of the history of aviation in our area. I am pleased to give my support to the museum and to the mission being conducted there,” said Representative Richard Adams (R-Troy).
The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission is a state agency that helps enhance the quality of life for Ohioans by improving the state’s cultural facilities.
Since 1988, the Commission has disbursed more than $400 million in capital funds appropriated by the Legislature and Governor for facility improvement projects at nonprofit theaters, museums, historical sites and publicly owned professional sports venues.
The Commission partners with nonprofit groups and local governments on more than 300 projects in 72 of Ohio’s 88 counties.