The was a celebration at Edmonton’s historic Hangar 14 this week as staff, members, volunteers and city representatives gathered to mark a milestone in the Alberta Aviation Museum’s history.
For the first time, the City has granted the museum a long-term lease. It will run a total of 25 years, giving the museum the certainty to continue its important role of telling Edmonton’s aviation history.
Edmonton City Councillor Bev Esslinger, who has worked with the museum on the lease negotiation, says she is pleased with the result.
“This museum represents an important piece of our city’s history,” she told a crowd of about 65 people who gathered to mark the occasion. “Hundreds of men and women entered these doors and took their dreams off the ground.”
She says the museum will serve an important resource for the future.
“Not only will it be able to teach both young and old about about Alberta aviation history but it will act and an anchor as we develop Blatchford.”
AAM Executive Director Jean Lauzon agrees.
“People are excited about our future once again. We want to make sure we continue telling the story of the airfield which was in existence for almost 90 years and is the namesake to the new neighbourhood now springing up around us.”
Lauzon says the museum is seeing an influx of interest and volunteers and has almost completed a two-and-a-half year revitalization of its exhibits.
“We are grateful to the City of Edmonton, the Mayor and Council for their continued support of our institution. And a big thank you going to Coun. Esslinger for all of her assistance and guidance throughout the leasing process.”
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Help us keep Edmonton’s aviation history alive for the decades to come.