The Champaign Aviation Museum in Urbana has completed a significant expansion, adding a new hangar that doubles its capacity for aircraft restoration and public exhibits. The new facility will provide crucial space for ongoing World War II aircraft projects, including the B-17 Champaign Lady, and will enable the museum to introduce new educational programs focused on aviation history.
Key Takeaways
- The museum has added a second 170-by-120-foot hangar, effectively doubling its available space.
- This expansion is critical for the restoration of the B-17 Champaign Lady, allowing for wing attachment.
- New educational programs will focus on WWII-era aircraft metalworking, machining, and veteran experiences.
- The expansion allows for better public viewing of aircraft maintenance and the capacity to accept new aircraft donations.
- A public ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new space is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, at 1 p.m.
A New Chapter for Historical Aircraft Preservation
The Champaign Aviation Museum has officially opened its newly expanded facility, marking a milestone in its mission to preserve and showcase aviation history. The centerpiece of the project is a second 170-by-120-foot hangar, which mirrors the size of its original hangar built in 2008. This addition provides the necessary room to advance complex restoration projects and enhance the visitor experience.
According to Deputy Director Jessica Henry, the expansion addresses a long-standing need for more operational space. "This expansion is important because it provides the essential area needed for continued World War II aircraft restoration and maintenance, aviation history programs and exhibits, and room for continued growth of our museum’s aircraft and artifact collections to better serve our community," she stated.
The project also included the construction of a connecting ramp to Grimes Field Airport and an emergency fire lane. All three of the museum's buildings—the original hangar, the 2019 Restoration Workshop, and the new hangar—are now fully connected, creating a seamless and accessible environment for the public.
Museum History and Growth
The Champaign Aviation Museum began with its first primary hangar in 2008. As its collection and restoration efforts grew, the need for specialized space became clear, leading to the addition of a dedicated Restoration Workshop in 2019. This latest hangar expansion represents the most significant growth in the museum's history, positioning it for future acquisitions and more ambitious projects.
Fueling Ambitious Restoration and Education
One of the most immediate benefits of the new hangar is the space it provides for the museum's flagship restoration project, the B-17 bomber known as the Champaign Lady. The expanded area is critical for the imminent attachment of the aircraft's massive wings, a pivotal step in its journey back to airworthiness.
Beyond restoration, the museum is launching new educational initiatives. These programs are designed to offer visitors a deeper understanding of the skills and sacrifices of the World War II era.
- Technical Skills Workshops: New programs will teach visitors about aircraft metalworking and machining techniques used by the "Greatest Generation."
- Veteran and Home Front Stories: The museum will create new displays highlighting the experiences of WWII veterans and those who supported the war effort from the home front.
- Live Maintenance Viewing: More space will be dedicated to the maintenance of active aircraft, allowing visitors to observe and interact with volunteers as they work.
"(It) is a place to witness how aircraft are built, up close, and to experience firsthand the vitality of WWII aviation," explained Henry. She added that visitors can even "take to the skies" in the museum's B-25 Champaign Gal, another of its historic aircraft.
An Enhanced Experience for Visitors
The expansion is designed not just for the aircraft but for the people who come to see them. With the buildings now interconnected, visitors can move freely between different areas, from the main exhibit hall to the active restoration workshop. This layout allows for a more immersive and self-directed tour.
Visitors can choose their own path through the museum, focusing on different aspects of WWII history. One route might explore the manufacturing and home front experience of the 1940s, while another could follow the journey of pilots through flight training and combat missions.
Visit the Museum
Location: 1652 N. Main St., Urbana
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: Free to the public
The ability to see volunteers actively working on aircraft provides a unique, living-history perspective that static displays cannot offer. This interactive approach helps bring the stories of these historic machines and their crews to life.
Community Celebration and Future Growth
To celebrate the completion of the project, the museum will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event is open to the public and will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, at the museum's location on North Main Street in Urbana.
The expansion also prepares the museum for the future. With the additional hangar space, the institution is now better positioned to accept future donations of historically significant aircraft and artifacts. Previously, space limitations were a significant constraint on acquiring new items for the collection.
This forward-looking plan ensures that the Champaign Aviation Museum can continue to grow as a key cultural and educational resource for the community and for aviation enthusiasts everywhere. The new facility solidifies its role as a premier destination for experiencing the legacy of World War II aviation up close.