Contributed photo
PRESQUE ISLE — “So that we may honor the men and women who served at the Presque Isle Army Air Base and those who envisioned an educational purpose for this historic space” — those are the words greeting visitors to the new Gallery of Aviation History at Northern Maine Community College.
Guests were invited on April 7 to a wine and cheese reception marking the opening of the gallery, which is part of the Akeley Student Center. Displays tell the story of the beginning of aviation history in Presque Isle, the significant role the area played during World War II, and the college’s transition from a military to an educational facility.
“We’re very pleased that the students who walk these halls will be inspired by the people depicted here who served and made a substantial contribution to our area and the world,” said NMCC President Tim Crowley. “We want our students to feel connected to those who walked this exact same ground and to find direction through their leadership, selflessness and enthusiasm to be involved in the community.”
Funding for this display was earmarked by Mary Smith and the Troutbeck Fund along with the NMCC Foundation. Collaboration with the Presque Isle Air Museum committee was instrumental in obtaining many of the artifacts for the gallery.
“We were happy to work with Northern Maine Community College to highlight a number of the pieces that we haven’t had room to display at the museum at the Northern Maine Regional Airport,” said Larry Clark, a member of the Air Museum committee. “We know that the exhibit here at NMCC will reach a different audience and that together, we can tell our important aviation story to more people.”
A portion of the gallery focuses on the history of Presque Isle and the beginning of NMCC.
“This exhibit is important because it gives you a sense of history for this space, first a small airfield, then an essential military installation, then a college,” said Kim Smith of the Presque Isle Historical Society, which also contributed to the display. “History is vital to a vibrant community: it gives you a sense of pride, a cohesiveness that pulls a community together; sense of identity and belonging that inspires leadership and leaves a legacy for future generations.”
“We think it’s fitting that NMCC has this gallery for all to enjoy because of the many connections we already have with the community,” said Crowley. “We train tomorrow’s local workforce; we connect with today’s employers to determine industry needs, and we work to strengthen local businesses through specialized-training seminars. Offering this historic display is one more bond between the College and the community.”
The public is invited to visit the gallery anytime during regular class hours by using the Smith Wellness Center entrance.
