Several honored at Wings dinner

Several of the people who help found the museum were honored at the dinner. They were (from left) John Bartkowiak, Jim Jurkowski, Gene DiGennaro Jr., Bryan Wiliman and Stan Piet.  They were each given a Purple Martin award, which was the highest honor presented to Martin Company employees.

 Over 100 people packed the Sparrows Point Country Club for the Museum's annual dinner and silent auction.
Several people were honored at the event and Jim Smith Jr., former Baltimore County executive and now state transportation chief, was given the inaugural "Friend of the Museum" award for his support.
The Museum also presented a check to the Maryland Air National Guard Chiefs Airman Relief Fund that helps Guard members and their families.
Also honored were some of the original backers of the museum: John Bartkpwiak, Jim Jurkowski, Gene DiGennaro, Bryan Wiliman and Stan Piet.

The museum presented a check to the Maryland Air National Guard Chiefs Airman Relief Fund at the dinner. Presenting the check was Karen Armacost, Museum chair, while accepting it for the ANG was Sgt. Jeff Morse.  Also pictured are Stacie Morse and retired Gen. Guy Walsh.

Jim Smith Jr. is presented with the first "Friend of the Museum" award for his outstanding support over the years. Makingthe presentation is Bob Byrnes, executive director of the Museum.

Building update

Volunteers get ready to add another piece to the structure of the new building.

The front and rear walls of the temporary structure at Strawberry Point are being worked on and it won't be long before the cover is ready to be lifted into place. The building will be the first structure owned by the museum.  Some restoration work will be moved to the building when it is completed this fall.  Space is at a premium for the museum and any added square footage is quickly being claimed.

End of the season

Visitors walk the Flight Line.

Nearly 200 people took advantage of the beautiful weather to attend the final Open Cockpit Saturday for the season.  People got a chance to sit in the 4-O-4 Mainliner or a number of military aircraft. Although the T-34C was open for display, it is not ready yet for people to climb in the cockpit.  It should be by next season.
When not outdoors, people could visit with a contingent of Rosie the Riveters, or ask aviation questions of the Ninety-Nines, an organization of women pilots. Children also got a chance to perfect their aeronautics knowledge by building their own planes.

Rosies and Ninety-Nines talk to Debi Wynn, who coordinated the activities.

Painting donated to museum

Artist Robert L. Hunt has generously donated a painting of an RB-57 and F-104 flying over mountains in Alaska.  Bob is well-know for his depictions of railroads and historic subjects and his work hangs in many collections.  He wanted to start painting airplanes and his first work now hangs in the museum.  If you would like to bid on a signed print of the beautiful picture, there will be one offered in the Silent Auction on September 28.

Museum awards scholarship

Karen Armacost, Museum board chair, greets Ashley Reinhardt, scholarship winner.

The  Museum is pleased to announce that Ashley Reinhardt, a recent graduate of Chesapeake High School in Baltimore County, has been awarded the museum’s first annual scholarship of $1,000.

Ashley lives in the Fullerton area of Baltimore County with her parents and twin sister, Sara. Ashley plans to attend the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in the Fall and will major in photography. Faculty members describe Ashley as
outgoing, friendly, positive, determined, and a great role model for other students.

The museum initiated the scholarship in 2013 to demonstrate support for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education in the community.
Chesapeake High School has been designated a STEM academy. Ashley will be honored during the museum’s annual dinner and silent auction on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at the Sparrows Point Country Club.

The aviation museum plans to offer the scholarship again next year. During the selection process, preference will be given to a high school senior who has volunteered at the museum for six months or more.

CAF Squadron arrives at Martin State

The Commemorative Air Force brought its B-29 FiFi, P-51, C-45 and Navy Helldrver torpedo aircraft to Martin State Airport on June 3-5.  Hundreds of people turned out to see the World War II vintage aircraft and some purchased rides on the planes.  Fifi made one flight on Wednesday and people were thrilled just to see the last flying B-29 takeoff and land.  The other craft flew all three days and the sounds of rotary engines often filled the air.

Work starting on new structure

First, you start with the footers.

Work has begun on the temporary structure at Strawberry Point that eventually will replace the trailers that have held tools and material for years.  The footers have been dug and, after a state inspection, the anchors will be placed. The 40-by-60 foot fabric-covered structure eventually will be used for storage and  some restoration work