By Gil Pascal
So far, 2004 is turning out busy and well,
a transition year, as internal enhancements continue along with increasing attention
focused on a new museum. As evident from
activities summarized within this newsletter, this year
has been full of accomplishments.
The archives have been cleaned
up, painted, and reorganized to improve collection processing and storage, working conditions,
the meeting area, and archive security. While a work in progress, the redone facilities
have already paid off in Waterfront Festival
meetings, exhibit preparation, and day-to-day
Museum operations. Special credits go to Buck
Dean, Carolyn Dean, Gary High, Al LaPorte, Ernie Pascal, and Stan Piet.
Baltimore County's
Waterfront Festival: this Oct 2nd event featured
marine, community, and aviation exhibitors
recognizing Hurricane Isabel's victims and heroes.
The County requested the Museum organize and manage the entire aviation component, and
we did _ with about three months notice. Our volunteer support, for both the Dark Head
Cove and airport sites, was excellent. With 10,000
to 15,000 visitors on a day promising rain and severe thunderstorms, everyone felt it
was indeed the "Great Success" headlined in
The Avenue's front page article. Many said
the Museum had the best exhibit at the festival -
Al LaPorte, Jack Breihan, Roger Mason, Charlie Morse, and Stan Piet deserve special credit
for their "above and beyond" efforts. Since it was
a first time affair, we learned much and the experience, relationships, reputation,
and preparation will result in a stronger Museum better positioned for the future.
75th Anniversary of Martin Aircraft
at Middle River: The Waterfront Festival acknowledged the
75th anniversary of Martin's, and the airport's, presence in Middle River.
The real birthday celebrations were held the following week. Lockheed Martin Corp.
and Middle River Aircraft Systems, Inc. both held a
week-long series of events to mark the date.
Museum exhibits were on display at both locations for employees and visitors. Drs.
Jack Breihan and Tom Jones gave talks at Lockheed Martin, and Middle River Aircraft Systems
rented an antique trolley for tours of the Museum
and its display aircraft. Both organizations
provided significant support to the Museum,
including LMC's assistance with a number of the
historic display panels used at the Waterfront
Festival and during the 75th celebrations, and MRAS
with repairs and refinishing of equipment required
for the Festival and subsequent tours. Lockheed Martin also contributed $7,500 to the
Museum during a LMC vs. MRAS softball game.
1 | 2 | 3 | Back to Contents
