To the editor:
The Presque Isle Air Museum, located at the Terminal Building, Northern Maine Regional Airport, will be 10-years old in 2009, the year of Presque Isle’s sesquicentennial. The purpose of establishing the Museum was to educate interested individuals as to the history of the airport and its significant role in World War II, the Korean War and the Cold War. Also, the Museum is a physical way of honoring servicemen and women that served at the airbase.
The purpose certainly has been accomplished with an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 people per year from around the world have visited the Museum. In addition, tours have been provided to school children, youth groups, class reunions and even groups of servicemen and women that were stationed at the base.
The airport came into being as a local airstrip in the 1930s. During WW II, more planes passed through Presque Isle Army Airfield than any other base in the United States. In the 1950s, the Presque Isle Air Force Base became the first intercontinental ballistic missile base in the world. After the air base was deactivated, the city of Presque Isle acquired the entire base. Since the mid-60s, the base has evolved into the Skyway Industrial Park, Northern Maine Community College, Presque Isle Middle School and Northern Maine Regional Airport.
As you can see, the “Base” has a proud history that needs to be told and the mission of the Presque Isle Air Museum is to preserve that story for future generations.
The Presque Isle Air Museum needs a complete renovation due to wear and tear, plus the need for a general upgrade. I trust the citizens of Presque Isle realize the value of the Museum. A complete renovation of the Museum will run in excess of $5,000. The Museum has no income-producing capacity, but is a 501c3 corporation. Along with the amount the Museum currently has, and with work-in-kind, we will need the assistance of several generous groups, individuals or companies. Therefore, we, the members of the Museum Committee, would like for you to consider a donation of any amount to the renovation project.
Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to hearing from you.
Presque Isle Air Museum Committee
