The Newsletter of The New England Air Museum Vol. 51, No. 3 Spring 2020

Education Begins Early at NEAM Director of Education Amanda Goodheart Parks, Ph.D., leads a preschool program during a recent field trip to the museum. A Message from NEAM’s Board Chair

I am deeply inspired by the sense of community I have Our staff continues to work tirelessly, taking care of our witnessed as we collectively address and contend with the facility and aircraft, planning future events, developing challenges of a serious pandemic. NEAM members, visi- educational programming, and preparing for the moment tors and volunteers are foremost in my thoughts and your when we can open our doors to the public once again. safety and security are of greatest concern. It is in times of uncertainty that we find strength in As an organization we will take any measures available community. Today, as always, I am proud to be part of the to us to help slow the spread of Covid-19 and safeguard the NEAM community. I look forward to welcoming you back health of our own community. We are closely monitoring to the New England Air Museum very soon. guidelines regarding public gatherings; we have thoroughly Be Well. cleaned and disinfected our exhibit spaces and we have closed our doors to the public for the first time since the Scott E. Ashton tornado of 1979. Together we survived that disaster, and Board Chair, New England Air Museum we will survive this as well.

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C. A. H. A. Our Mission C.A.H.A. owns and operates the New The New England Air Museum is committed to England Air Museum, which is located at Bradley International Airport, 36 Perimeter presenting the story of aviation, Road, Windsor Locks, CT 06096. Corporate the human genius that made it possible, headquarters for the organization is located at and the profound effects that is has had on the way the Museum and can be reached by phone at in which we live.. (860) 623-3305 during business hours. Visit We achieve this by preserving and presenting our website at: www.neam.org. historically significant aircraft Membership in C.A.H.A. is open to anyone and related artifacts with an interest in aviation. Benefits include free admission to the museum during regular engaging our visitors through high-quality exhibits hours of operation, discounts on gift shop that help them understand aviation technology, history, purchases and on fees for special events and and the stories of the men and women programs, receipt of the NEAM news, the who built, flew, and made history with these famous machines monthly e-blast and voting privileges at orga- inspiring students through our innovative and hands-on nizational meetings. education programs that allow them to discover Contributions of original articles, news and reflect on aviation history and its ties to items and/or photographs, in addition to sug- social studies, science, geography, and technological advancements. gestions for the improvement of NEAM news are solicited and welcome. Design and layout of NEAM news is provided by Tom Bittel. Officers Directors Please direct membership problems which President: Scott E. Ashton Warren Boley might include errors or changes of address Vice-President: Stephen Perez Lee Boulanger to Debbie Reed, Executive Director at the Secretary: Ted de Groot Kate McGinnes Collins Treasurer: Michael J. Morneau Museum. The NEAM Research Library is open William H. Costen by appointment only. The research staff can be Jeffrey A. Dominick reached at [email protected] for online queries. Robert M. Garneau William P. Gonet Joanne Hastings NEAM Staff Gary A. Hunt Kim A. Jones Executive Director...... Deborah J. Reed Paul A. Lange Director of Education...... Amanda Goodheart Parks, Ph.D. Sean Lee Controller and Grants Officer...... Karen F. Giroux William J. McGurk Roy C. Normen Director of Advancement and External Affairs...... Ron Katz Cornelius O’Leary Curator...... Nicholas Hurley Thomas S. Sargis Visitor Services Manager...... Jeanie Rozbora Robert Stangarone Jeffrey J. White Private Events Manager...... Erin Sniffen Directors Emeritus Restoration Coordinator...... Robert Vozzola Lawrence R. Churchill IT Coordinator...... Robert B. Stanwood George A. Clyde Igor I. Sikorsky, Jr. Research Librarian...... Carlton A. Stidsen Joseph G. Lynch Webmaster...... Gary Gudinkas William A. O’Neill NEAMnews Editor...... Tom Bittel Nelson A. Sly, Jr.

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interns Sarah Sparks, Lauren Geary, From the Executive Director and Jonas Otto and what they com- pleted for us. When I orig- increase in the number of students 15. The outdoor exhibit signs were inally sat down and scouts served the Education replaced with stainless steel signs to prepare my Department. donated by Circuit Breaker Sales NE remarks for this 4. We hosted a fundraising event for of Seymour, Conn. newsletter, the the New England Women in Avi- 16. Business After Hours was a success world was a ation exhibit that will be in the with three events. very different connector between the Military and place. As we all Civil Aviation hangars. 17. 17. Rental business has more then doubled, with NEAM becoming a work together to try to slow the spread 5. Many of the staff took part in in-stu- wedding venue. of COVID-19, the New England Air dio TV and radio appearances and Museum is doing its part. We closed our podcasts. 18. We brought back our Museum Travel doors for the first time since the 1979 Program. 6. New events included 50th Anni- tornado. We cleaned every inch of our versary of the Apollo moon landing, 19. Upgraded our internet service. hangars. We are following CDC guide- FIRST Robotics Day, Haunted Han- And, I must acknowledge our amazing lines regarding social distancing, and we gar Trick or Treat, and in conjunc- volunteers! This is Merriam-Webster’s are working hard to bring NEAM into tion with the U.S. Customs Depart- definition for volunteer: a: a person who your homes through new online content. ment, we hosted two Passport Days. voluntarily undertakes or expresses a will- In the meantime, we want to thank you, ingness to undertake a service: such as b: our members, donors, and volunteers, for 7. Last year’s Women Take Flight and Easter Egg events brought in their one who renders a service or takes part in your continued support as we continue to a transaction while having no legal con- fulfill our mission. None of what you’ll largest attendances to date. 8. The Education Department branded cern or interest c: a person who does work see in this newsletter would have been without getting paid to do it possible without you. From our NEAM our longstanding weekend family family to yours, I wish you health and programs as Flights of Family Fun, My definition? Men and Women, we peace during these unprecedented times added new Family tours to their pro- can’t do without. I strongly believe that and look forward to welcoming you back gramming slate, and expanded our our volunteers are the best in the world. to the museum soon. annual Soar into Summer program- They’re selfless, dedicated, willing to do ming series. anything we ask of them, and they’re al- 2019 was the first full year with full- 9. Film crews from China spent two ways here! time staff and all of us working together as days filming “Jack’s Hack” and a team. I’m proud of this “new” staff and Without their assistance in everything learning more about the 58th Bomb what we accomplished last year. As I look we do here at NEAM, this museum would Wing; the curator and a film crew back, I’m amazed at the success we had as not be the success that it is. The work- filmed aircraft from our collection a team to execute new exhibits, aircraft manship that the restoration group can that flew off the USS Intrepid; and moves, reaching new audiences with our produce amazes not only me, but the vis- National Geographic filmed the B-29 rental program, educating school children itors and students who can see their work for an episode of their series “Drain and visitors, and being creative with new firsthand. Our docents are the BEST, as the Oceans” events. I won’t go into detail what every- we constantly get letters, emails and Face- one has achieved, their year-end reports 10. We received proclamations from Gov. book posts from visitors about their ex- will follow mine. But I would like to high- Ned Lamont’s office recognizing 40 perience with this wonderful group. Our light some outstanding accomplishments. years of preserving aviation history library volunteers continue to catalog and and recognizing Women in Aviation. update our incredible collection. All the 1. Moving airplanes? Sounds like fun 11. Along with Lt. Governor Susan volunteers that assist in our special events though the planning can take up to Bysiewicz, we celebrated Amelia Ear- and after-hour rentals; the craftsmen who 4-5 months. In our case, the Military hart’s birthday, recognizing women create, build and paint, their work is first- and Civil Aviation hangars were in leadership roles. class; and the volunteers who clean the re-configured. 12. We hosted the D-Day Squadron exhibit hangars once a week, the compli- 2. New exhibits included the 50th before they departed to Europe to ments we get on how clean our museum Anniversary of the Apollo moon celebrate the 75th anniversary of looks continue to come in. Our staff may landing; the 40th anniversary of the D-Day. be small, but our volunteers are mighty! 1979 tornado; the exhibit around Finally, none of this would be accom- the Goodyear Blimp car was com- 13. An anonymous donor paid for plished without the support of you, our pleted; and the Robert Davis antique automatic garage door openers in members and supporters. I’m proud to be toy exhibit was installed. restoration. 14. We were pleased with the success of a part of this wonderful organization and I 3. There was yet another annual look forward to what 2020 has in store. n

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2019 Contributions *denotes corporate match

Total contributed income to the Museum from all sources in 2019 was approximately $620,000 The following is a listing of the donors.

Founders Circle James Baldwin USAF (Ret) Robert and Teresa Henry ($10,000 +) J. Craig Clark, Jr. Kenneth P. Katz David P. Hunter, Jr. Richard Tredwell Diane C. Dowd Walter M. Olechna Rich and Pat Jensen * Michael Exstein and Edward J. Spellacy, Jr. Jonathan L. Johnson, Jr. Chairman’s Circle Lida Greenberg Mark P. Sullivan Chet Kuras ($5,000+) Allen Horner Franklin G. Sykes Peter Ladd Robert M. Garneau Gary E. Lenk Nicholas and Ross Lally Roy and Nancy C. Normen Shawn Lisle Geraldine Vernola Paul M. Later Mr. and Mrs. Nelson A. Sly, Jr. Joseph J. McGrath $100 - $199 Gordon E. Lauder Nancy Wiesner Mr. and Mrs. Roch R. Malzac, Anonymous Ronald and Karen Lindlauf in memory of Paul Butcher Jerry Abbatello Capt. William Lucas Director’s Circle Bruce Maneeley Jonathan H. Allen Andrew S. Lutz, II ($2,500+) Harry F. Newman David M. Amidon Christopher and Steve and Patricia Kelley* Robert L.C. Olmsted Ken and Janet Benson Christal Mard Paul A. Lange Craig A. Raabe, in honor of Paul F. Berg Robert B. Marino, thanks from William and Mary McGurk William Hewett a 57th Bomb Wing Stephen and Diane Perez Don and Joan Scroggs Daniel M. Bergeron Association member Thomas S. Sargis John V. Shunta Armand E. Boucher David R. Martin Patrick and Connie Sidley Peter M. Bozzo, in memory of Doug and Dottie Martin Curator’s Circle Irving Chappell Bill and Donna Matson ($1,000+) $250 - $499 Hayden L. Bradley Robert P. Mordes Anonymous Anonymous Patrick Bresnahan and Thomas L. Morehouse Scott and Sarah Ashton William Costen Rhonda Caldwell Richard Morley Todd Beaudoin (Knox Family John and Betsy Craggs Matthew Burkard, in memory Foundation) of Clifford Burkard Warren T. and Theodore de Groot and Glenda A. Nagle Anthony J. and Lucille A. Kelly De Groot Carla P. Burritt David and Sharon Norige Diorio Fund George W. Diemer Nicholas P. and Kim D. Cardwell Walter M. Olechna Jeffrey A. Dominick and Steve H. Doman Warren C. Christensen Axel Ian Ostling Amy Stepnowski William M. Foley John A. Chunis* Jack and Penny Pearson Skip and Mona Fisher William and Faith Geist Peter Ciesielski* Richard and Leila Phillips L. Scott Frantz Steven and William E. Fuller Blanche Goldenberg Msgr. Douglas P. Clancy Colm Prendergast William P. Gonet * Ron and Fariba Katz Chapter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Prevost the Silverliners John and Ann Grybko Keith L. and Richard V. Proffitt Gary Gudinkas Elaine R. Knowlton Edward F. Covill QB Westfield Hangar, Kim and Ewa Jones Robert C. and Carol Lindberg Timothy J. Daugherty in memory of Robert F. Moos and Fred Steward, III John P. Mastriani, in memory of Dennis M. Michaud Peter DiMasi John W. Ramsay my father Louis A. Mastriani Col. Dave Pelizzon David T. Donovan Alfred and Priscilla Reylek Michael and Rich Pereira * Henry Draghi Will Rondeau Yvette Morneau Donald R. Proctor, in memory Sharon Kay Dunfield, Stephen and Julia Murdzek of Philip J. McNamara in memory of my Gabriel P. Rottas husband Robert Cornelius P. O’Leary Bill and Ellie Thomas Peter and Rita Rozantes Mr. Lynn T. Engler Wanda Lee Ramsay Roderick Wood Alex W. Rudewicz, DDS M. Jodi Rell James F. and Diana E. Evans Herbert S. Rusk Margaret C. Ross $200 - $249 Richard Fee David D. and Rita J. Santos Jeffrey and Sarah White John Bednarz Barbara H. Fleming Stephen and June Seiser Lou and Kathy Chiappetta Eric H. Friedrichsen Igor I. Sikorsky, Jr. Associate’s Circle Charles J. Claughsey* Joseph and Joanne Gadomski Michael C. Sirosky ($500+) Carl E. and Linda M. Cruff Felix and Frances Garlasco Frederick Stluka AIAA Read T. Fleming George M. Gilbert, III John F. Smith Anonymous Daniel C. Garner, in memory of Jacob and Susan Graham Bob and Peggy Stanwood John Anagnos Lt. Col. Vernon W. Garner,

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2019 Contributions *denotes corporate match

Shepard B. Stone memory of Davis S. Gifford New England Women Robert Slater Dennis D. Sullivan, in memory Roger S. Van Dyke in Aviation Exhibit Mr. and Mrs. Nelson A. Sly, Jr. of Francis Lambour Justin Ward Anonymous Contribution Michael W. Smith Darrell E. Todd and Ralph P. Willett Rich and Lynn Archambault Jane Speyer Alyce Lavallee V. Vanessa Williams Laura F. Baldwin Valerie Stevens Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity Richard C. Zepp Kurt Syer Alpha Psi, in memory of Pamela Berardino Davis S. Gifford Warren B. Zepp, Jr. Karen Berger Emily M. Talcott Peter C. Viets Tom and Bonnie Zink, in Mary F. Berryhill The Baddour Family memory of Christine Pereira Foundation Bob and Diane Vozzola Jo-An H. Boehm Bonnie Tiburzi Caputo Raymond Wedlake* Up to $49 Budd Family Foundation Tomasso Brothers, Inc. Stacy and Mark Williamson* Anonymous Thaddeus E. Burr Susan Carroll, Ph.D. Lucinda Stanley and John W. Wood, Jr. Jayne Broderick Peter Van Beckum Donn Castonguay Frederick A. and Timothy J. Carroll Teresa VandenDolder Elizabeth L. Webster Dennis and Laurel Colgan Richard and Laura Carter Bill and Kate Wadsworth Richard C. and Katherine McGinnes Collins Richard and Lynne Centore John R. Wadsworth Carla S. Wilde John Champa, Sr. Connecticut Lighter Than Tom and Bonnie Zink Air Society Katherine Wadsworth Robert B. Doyle Winthrop Wadsworth Gary B. Zrelak John A. Gloria Andy Matlow and Peggy Cullen Raimie H. Weber Mark and Noreen Gumula $50 - $99 Jeremy R. Dodd Norhafizah Whitehair Margery A. Greene Anonymous Andrea Staples Donald Lucy B. Young Paul G. Massa Steven and Janice Adam Ms. Kimberly Enderle Gregg E. Bateman John W. McKaig, in honor of Corporate Bill Foley’s 90th birthday Ann Finley Membership Peter Beauregard, in memory of Kate Giaver Francis Lambour Sean P. Mortell Aero Gear, Inc. Cate Grady-Benson Jim Bennett Ann and Marie Pedro, AIT Worldwide Logistics Doug and Stephanie Griffin Gene Benson in memory of Altek Electronics Charlotte McCallon Douglas D. and Jill C. Griffin John and Anne Blake Amphenol Corporation Aldo Peracchio William Harris Robert A. Dowding Animal Hospital of Rocky Hill Leo P. Poulin Erica Harvie Warren L. Greene B & E Precision Ralph Redman Susan Hight William C. Harmon Aircraft Components R. Craig Robinson Sydney Hoffmann Edward and Barnes Group Foundation, Johanne Kolodziej Petra Shearer, in honor of Ruth Hofstatter Inc. Bill Foley’s 90th birthday Dan and Jan LaCroix Paul H. Hyde, III Bombardier Carl Stahlhammer Todd Loucks Jimmy J. and CIGNA Global Security & Grzegorz and Kathleen E. Jacobs Pat Lucco Aviation Brygida Trzaska Deborah H. Kraft Chet and Laurie Matzcak Connecticut Street Rod United Way of Central & Steve and Lisa Kravitz Association Mimi P. Mead Northeastern Connecticut Evelyn Kropp Dassault Falcon Jet Harold Moritz and Charles W. Walker Mark Litteken Fiduciary Investment Advisors Sheila Gleason David P. and Cynthia D. Ward John J. Moroney Peggy Loeffler First Suffield Bank, Div. of Raymond A. Yirga PeoplesBank Mrs. Edith Muse Rob Loeffler GKN Aerospace New England William R. Pack *Matching Gifts Michael Mah Hobbytyme Distributors, Inc. Al and Debbie Reed, in Aetna Foundation, Inc. William and Mary McGurk HORST Engineering memory of Christine Pereira Barnes Group Foundation, Inc James Millar J.E. Shepard Company Peter Satagaj CIGNA Dan Newcomb Kaman Corporation Clifford and Sharon Scorso Dominion Energy John and Eileen Parisi MassMutual Peter Shumbo GE Foundation Marilyn Pearson Howard and Jean Smith Evan Cowels and Brie Quinby MB Aerospace IBM Corporation East Granby James R. Stevenson Stella Ross Kaman Corporation New England Airfoil Edward H. and The Walt Disney Company Trish Sauvé Products, Inc. Doris H. Timbrell Peter and Dawn Scarpelli Northwest Community Bank Jo and Brian Topolski, in Signature Flight Support Continued on page 6

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2019 Contributions *denotes corporate match

Corporate Scripps Family Fund Peter and Sally Burgess James E. Stevens Membership for Education Mr. and Mrs. Elsie P. Woolam continued Shurtleff Children’s Richard J. Collins, Jr. In Memory of Services, Inc. Robert and Kay Davidson Brian E. Bailey RTH Group Inc. Foundations Michael and Julie Durbin Peter R. Begley Simtech, Inc. Community Foundation of East Hartford’s Women’s Club Howard J. Begley, Jr. The Lee Company Tompkins County Martin and Carole Fins and Family Thomas Fahy Insurance Kaman Foundation James A. Foss Greg and Kathy Daigle Agency, Inc. John G. Martin Foundation Joseph A. Goodfield Mr. and Mrs. William F. Dostal TLD William and Alice Mortensen Philip R. Gravel Christopher and Lisa Dutra Foundation Robert and Rebecca Henricks Wayne Gilbert USA Hauling & In Kind Gail Herman Theresa Levinson Recycling, Inc. Michael Krawczyk Teresa C. Maginnis Anonymous UTC Corporate Flight Mary Ann Leone Charles D. McDougall Department Tom Bittel Beverly S. Leone David McGrath and Windsor Federal Savings Circuit Breaker Sales NE Mr. and Mrs. Calvin J. Manship Marilyn Hunter WowToyz Richard J. Geiter Richard and Jeanne McCarthy Nancy McHugh Gary Gudinkas Corporate Glynis McKenzie John and Joan Nagy Kell-Storm Tool Sponsorship Christopher and Elisabeth Rob Schiller and Sue Jensen Allen and Deborah Reed Blum Shapiro Richards Carolyn Shaloub Wingsite Display, Inc. Connecticut Airport Authority Dan and Elizabeth Russell Thomas D. Sullivan CT Space Grant Lifetime Memberships William Saunders In Memory of Mr. Consortium Carlos and Marta Hernandez Patrica D. Schwab Lynn “Guy” K. Geimeier GKN Aerospace New England William J. Kramich Laurence and Jinhee Choi KeyBank Arthur and Janet Utay Anne Sperry Sonna Lynn Collins L3Harris Barbara Virtuoso Donna Stickles and Family Tom and Mary Geimeier Peerless Precision Tsunami Tsolutions David and Suzanne Gumley Pratt & Whitney Benefactor Walter and Dorothy Laurie Mac Dougail Robinson & Cole LLP Memberships Twachtman David and Joanne Novarro Selective Insurance Company Jay and Donna Lynn Hilton Donald and Rita Vigneau Katie Zimbaldi Ralph and Margaret Viola of America Gary A. and Kathleen M. Hunt In Memory of Wingsite Displays, Inc. Sally Willard Eugene R. Montany Sustaining John and Pandora Wohler ZRG Partners Memberships Vincent and Donna Delmonte Robert and Deborah Wood Laura G. Prelle Education Support Nicholas P. and William E. Woodburn Kim D. Caldwell Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sabatella Bombardier Marie E. Zebra CT Space Grant Consortium John and Betsy Craggs Mark and Elaine Staffan Col. Louis DiModugno, In Memory of In Memory of Elizabeth Carse Foundation Brian E. Bailey Embraer USAF Ret. Franklin L. Newth Michael J. Franconi, Jr. Llewellyn and Dawn Belcourt Mr. and Mrs. Ronald P. Coderre George A. and Grace L. Long Mr. & Mrs. John Burgdorf Foundation Allen Horner Desmarais & Sons, Inc. John Derosimo Family Gulfstream Margaret Lawson O & G Industries, Inc. Karen and David Gallati Henry E. Niles Foundation Dennis M. Michaud Allan and Kathie Rawson Robert and Susan Griswold Irene E. and George A. Davis John D. Reisch In Memory of Foundation Darrel E. Todd and Robert and Marcia Grzech Elaine O. Stepanek J. Gladwin Cannon Trust Alyce Lavalle Sherwood A. Harvey Jennifer Cristelli Maximilian E. & Marion O. Jimmy A. and Nancy M. Watt James and Jean Hill William C. Harmon Hoffman Foundation Craig and Trish Weiss Janet Locke David and Nancy Malick People’s United Community Barbara J. McQueeney Al and Debbie Reed Foundation Memorial Gifts Allen and Deborah Reed Pratt & Whitney In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. SBM Charitable David W. Amberg, II Arthur Richenbach Foundation, Inc. James E. Balesano Don and Joan Scroggs Andrew Blum John F. Smith

neamnews-spring2020b.indd 6 3/22/20 11:41 PM Spring 2020 Page 7 2019 Year-end Development Report he Development Department held learning more about planned giving in a before the end of 2020. Tseveral diverse events this year for private meeting, can always call the de- Finally, our Individual and Corpo- our current and future donors. The velopment office for information. rate Giving programs raised $133,000 Business After Hours Series that began For the first time in two years, the and $136,000 respectively, helping to in 2018 continued through 2019 with museum held an opening night recep- ensure that we can continue deliver- three great speakers: Kevin Michaels tion for a new exhibit commemorating ing on our mission to preserve, engage - Managing Director of AeroDynamic the 1979 Tornado. As the museum be- and inspire. Over $100,000 in educa- Advisory, Mary Ellen Jones – Pratt & gins to implement its plans for new and tion grants helped support our SOAR Whitney Vice President, Commercial updated exhibits, these member and for STEM and Inspiring Future Avi- Engines Sales, Asia/Pacific & China, donor preview receptions will become ators programs. Grant funding was and Retired Four Star General Lloyd more frequent. also received to complete two ongoing “Fig” Newton. This series has brought 2019 also saw the launch of a fundrais- restoration projects; a grant from the many first-time visitors to the museum, William and Alice Mortensen Founda- bringing useful and interesting informa- ing campaign to make the New England Women in Aviation exhibit a reality. tion is enabling the completion of the tion to those interested in aviation and Burnelli CBY-3, and the John G. Martin aerospace. Years in the planning, this exhibit will shine a spotlight on many of the wom- Foundation has funded the interior res- In April, we held our first Legacy Giv- en from here in New England who made toration of the DC-3, the final step for n ing luncheon, for those who may be inter- major contributions, or hold significant this classic aircraft. ested in supporting the museum in the fu- accomplishments, in the world of avia- Ron Katz ture through a bequest or other planned tion. With $76,000 raised by the end of Director of Advancement and gift. Similar events will be held in 2020, the year towards a goal of $150,000, we External Affairs and anyone interested in attending, or expect to start working on this exhibit

Legacy Giving at the New England Air Museum t the New England Air Museum, the 58th Bomb Wing archives for Leaving a bequest is a great way to ALegacy Giving plays a key role in decades, preserving the memory of the make sure that the museum can continue our ability to preserve and maintain our men who served in this unit. to preserve historic aircraft, inspire and collections so that we can share them Similarly, Denny Pidhayny was a also educate youth, and share the history with future generations. In these days of a member of the 58th Bomb Wing, and of aviation with enthusiasts of all ages, rapidly changing technology – the new through much of his adult life served long into the future. If you would like to digital world – we know how vital it is as the group’s historian. He also was an learn more about how easy it can be to that the real, tangible artifacts of yes- engineer so dedicated to his work that leave a bequest for the New England Air terday and today are shared with future he did not retire until well past his 90th Museum, please call Ron Katz, Director students, visitors and aviation profes- birthday. Prior to his passing, Denny of Advancement and External Affairs, n sionals. This history is too important to made an estate plan that included gifts at (860) 623-3305, ext. 317. lose. By including the Museum in estate to several organizations dear to him, in- plans, anyone who supports the museum cluding the New England Airr Museum. can have an impact that extends far into the future. Here are a few examples: Gary Gudinkas and Mary Adams of Suffield are long-time supporters, and Isaac Morris was a member of the 59th Gary is one of the Museum’s most ac- Bomb Wing responsible for B-29 flight tive volunteers. They also run a farm for testing. He and his wife Marjorie were miniature horses, which they raise, care donors to the New England Air Museum for and show. In their estate planning, for over 20 years, until Marjorie passed they have continued their tradition of away in 2017 (Isaac had died several support for the Museum, after first en- years prior). The Estate of Marjorie B. suring that their beloved horses will be Morris included a Legacy Gift to the well cared for. Museum that will continue to support

neamnews-spring2020b.indd 7 3/22/20 11:41 PM Page 8 Spring 2020 Education Department 2019 Year in Review rom travel programs and special Education Department special events event weekends. Our annual Soar into Fevents to field trips and scout pro- including Women Take Flight, SPACE Summer programming also received a grams, the NEAM Education Depart- EXPO, and Homeschool Days also con- rebrand in 2019 to much success. ment provided high quality museum ex- tributed to a successful year, collectively In closing, none of this success would periences to visitors of all ages in 2019. serving over 1,800 visitors and netting be possible without the wonderful wom- Over 4,300 students were served by over $23,000 in 2019. The department en and men of the NEAM Education NEAM school programs in 2019. This also supported six local community Department. With backgrounds rang- number includes students visiting the partner events in 2019, interacting with ing from military service and classroom museum for our longstanding grant over 1,000 people. teaching to students just starting their funded SOAR for STEM and Inspiring The Education Department re- professional careers, the NEAM Edu- Future Aviators programs, as well as an launched the museum’s member travel cation Team helps the museum fulfill its ever-growing number of schools relying program in 2019 with a four-day trip to mission by engaging visitors, inspiring on the museum for field trips and offsite Newport, RI that served 14 members students, and sharing the story of avia- outreach programs. These field trips and and netted just over $1,800 in revenue. tion and its profound effects on the way outreach programs generated just under The Public Programs Team also had a we live. $20,000 in revenue in 2019. successful year in 2019, providing fami- Looking ahead to 2020, the Education The Education Department also ly friendly activities, tours, and demon- Department will continue its efforts to served over 800 scouts, leaders, and strations to over 10,000 visitors. As provide visitors with meaningful oppor- family members in 2019. Our Over- part of the museum’s efforts to increase tunities to engage in the history and sci- nights and Scout Workshops continue visitation, the Education Department ence of aviation. n to sell out months in advance, drawing rebranded its longstanding weekend ac- Amanda Goodheart Parks, Ph.D. visitors from across Southern New En- tivities for families into Flights of Fam- Director of Education gland. In total, NEAM’s scout programs ily Fun. This programming series led netted over $52,000 in revenue in 2019. to increased visitation on non-special

The Staff at NEAM Left to right: Robert Vozzola Ron Katz Deborah J. Reed Nicholas Hurley Karen F. Giroux Jeanie Rozbora Amanda Goodheart Parks, Ph.D. Erin Sniffen

neamnews-spring2020b.indd 8 3/22/20 11:41 PM Spring 2020 Page 9 2019 Curatorial Department Report was a year of incredible There have been significant updates Group records, a collection that hadn’t 2019progress for the Curato- to the “look” of the museum as well. Last been touched since the exhibit was in- rial Department. With the hiring of a summer, the entire staff spent several stalled back in the late 1990s. Later in full-time Curator, NEAM’s exhibit and months planning a reconfiguration of the summer we were joined by Jonas, a collections management programs have our Military Aviation Hangar. The proj- naval cadet and university student from been reinvigorated and expanded, and ect, which ultimately involved moving Germany who assisted me in reorganiz- a great deal has already been accom- all but four of the aircraft in that build- ing the curatorial files for all our aircraft. plished. ing, was completed between August and Thanks to his efforts, information on November with no injuries or damage our aircraft can now be retrieved quickly Exhibits to museum property. The B-25, AH-1S and efficiently. If you passed through Bradley Airport’s Cobra, and OH-6A Cayuse were able to main terminal at the end of July, you be brought out of storage and put on dis- Grants/Initiatives probably saw NEAM’s temporary display play, and the sixth rotor blade was finally One of our biggest accomplishments near the TSA checkpoint promoting attached to the Sikorsky Skycrane once this year was NEAM’s acceptance to the our space artifacts and our Apollo 11 it was moved into its new position. The Collections Assessment for Preservation commemorative event. This was a result of this reconfiguration exceed- (CAP) Program. As participants in the sneak peek of the larger exhibit that ed all of our expectations and wouldn’t 2019 CAP Program, we received $7,000 opened at the museum on the July 20th have been possible without the hard to hire three outside experts (two archi- anniversary. “Apollo and Beyond: A work of our volunteers, who carried out tects and a conservator) that conducted Connecticut Company’s Contributions the physical aircraft moves. a full assessment of our artifact collec- to Spaceflight”, located on the Civil tions, buildings, and building systems, as Aviation Hangar Mezzanine, tells the Collections well as our collections care policies and story of and its role In terms of growing the collection, we procedures. Their two-day site visit took in the U.S. space program and showcases were fortunate to acquire two new major place in September, and we received the many of the artifacts we received artifacts this year. final written report in November. This from Collins Aerospace over the past A PW6000 high-bypass turbofan jet useful product now serves as a “road- year, including an original Apollo-era engine, generously donated to the muse- map” for our future success, outlining spacesuit worn by astronaut James Irwin. um by Pratt & Whitney in November of priorities and suggesting ways that we Another major project this year was this year. Designed to power the Airbus can improve our collections care and fa- “8 Minutes: Bradley Air Museum and A318, the PW6000 dates to the early cilities programs. the 1979 Windsor Locks Tornado”, a 2000s and represents our first “modern” Like 2019, 2020 will be a year of im- brand-new lobby exhibit that educates jet engine in the collection. It is now on provement and change as we continue to visitors on the tornado that struck the display in the Military Aviation Hangar. build on the successes of the last twelve museum on October 3, 1979. It opened NEAM took possession of a Rockwell months. In terms of exhibits, there will to the public on the fortieth anniversary Sabreliner 65 business jet in December be several new installations, and several of the storm and was very well received. of 2019, bringing our total number of displays that have been in place for years We ended the year by opening yet an- aircraft in the collection to 114. The air- will get some much-needed renovation other new exhibit. After almost three craft is in great shape inside and out and and updating. Behind the scenes, the years of negotiation, planning, and re- was flown into Bradley International great work already being done in terms search, the Robert Davis collection of Airport before being turned over to the of collections management and care will antique aviation toys is now on display museum. Once it is transported down be continued, and while these efforts ar- for all to see. The exhibit, located on the Perimeter Road to the museum, it will en’t always glamorous or visible to the Civil Aviation Hangar Mezzanine, show- join our outdoor aircraft display. public, it’s going to enable us to build cases several very rare aviation-themed better exhibits, make more of the collec- toys and games produced between 1900 Interns tion accessible, and ultimately provide and the beginning of World War II, col- Two interns joined us for the sum- an even better visitor experience in the n lected by Mr. Davis for the last several mer season. Sarah Sparks, who is now long run. decades. Many of these items have been working towards her Master of Library Nick Hurley generously donated to the museum, and and Information Science (MLIS) de- Curator others are on loan to us for the duration gree at Simmons College, spent sever- of the exhibit. al months processing the 57th Fighter

neamnews-spring2020b.indd 9 3/22/20 11:41 PM Page 10 Spring 2020 2019 Visitor Services Report 2019 Private he name of the game is LOGO out their experience. Parties have taken Events Report TMerchandise. This past year and on a life of their own with our generous continuing into this year the theme for room size and hands on adventures, and s we look back at 2019, I cannot be- the shop is museum recognition. My we have been praised for the memories Alieve how much the Private Events goal is for the visitors to be seen wearing we help make. We will continue to work Department has accomplished. My their New England Air Museum t-shirts, hard and have fun with the groups, and first year as a full-time employee ded- sweatshirts, and hats as they go about we look forward to beating our goal in icating my time to rentals, we brought their days in our local communities. the upcoming year. in $77,515 in sales with an additional We tested the waters in 2019 with new 3,400 people visiting us who may never Our Jets and Vettes Car show had a have come before. The Private Events clothing styles, new artwork, and new solid turnout with 137 cars; the Touch vendors and our initial buy in on such Department hosted 70 events last year. a Truck event in October gained more We held 29 daytime corporate rentals goods was enough to let us know that than 150 additional guests over the we are on the right track. Museum sales for companies such as Collins Aero- previous year; and our newest addition space, Pratt & Whitney, Wilson Fire- are really about the impulse and mem- the Haunted Hangars was very well orable merchandise to remind them of arms, Blake Equipment and many oth- received by our trick or treaters! We ers; and the remaining 41 events were their experience. With our new softline increased our attendance with the merchandise as well as new toys, mod- in the evening that included private, November Veterans Day Tribute, and corporate and five wedding receptions. els, mugs, and quick grabs, the shop has December’s Santa festivities showed taken on much more of a “gift” shop feel higher visitation as well! We have been I’m excited for 2020 and all the with things you cannot get in most big steadily growing our events into new and opportunities it will bring! Already box stores. exciting programs that are really taking we start the year with a full calendar Our Birthday Parties are the new cool off! We are excited to build even bigger of museum events and more wedding thing to do in this area! In 2019 we cele- and better programs in the months to receptions are scheduled for the fall! brated 44 birthdays at the Museum. We come. Giving more opportunities for Make sure to remember us for your next profited $14,526.00 with these three- visitors to come and experience what corporate meeting or special function, n hour weekend time slots! We have the museum has to offer. n we’d love to party with you! expanded the parties to include a new Jeanie Rozbora Erin Sniffen scavenger hunt to keep the kids busy Visitor Services Manager Private Evernts Manager and engaged in our collection through-

Docent Rich Jensen explains how the Curtiss Bunce Pusher operates to students from Smith Vocational & Agricultural High School, one of our Inspiring Future Aviators program partners.

neamnews-spring2020b.indd 10 3/22/20 11:41 PM Spring 2020 Page 11 2019 Restoration Annual Report he year 2019 was extremely success- terior fuselage in its final finish coats of the engine and painted and mounted Tful due to the efforts of our skilled silver, red and deep blue; remounted the the exhausts and cowlings. The trans- volunteers, the assistance of some indus- landing gear and put weight on wheels mission was repainted. The HOK team try and military partners, and the award- for the first time in five years; mounted restored the cyclic and collective con- ing of several critical grants and major the empennage and its rudders and el- trol system. The interior was made ready donations. evators for the first time in about fifty and partially rewired and painted. The We have completed multiple aircraft years; mounted the both engines on the crew manufactured and rivetted in place moves within the museum. We rear- fuselage; acquired, restored and assem- new forward roof panels. The HOK res- ranged several displays and aircraft in bled the two vintage Hamilton Standard toration received records support from the military hangar. We mounted the propellersets; restored the control pan- tech reps from Kaman Aerospace. Res- 6th blade of the CH-54 Tarhe helicopter el; and began work on installing new torations on the HOK will be highlight- with the help of the Connecticut Army aircraft flooring. Our thanks go out to ed during this year’s Helicopter Day. National Guard and moved the aircraft the William and Alice Mortensen Foun- This year’s activity involved refurbish- front and center of the Military Aviation dation for its continuing support in the ment of various interior sections of the hangar. We moved the B-25 from stor- restoration of the Burnelli CBY-3. The Museum’s DC-3. The restoration is on- age into the spot formerly occupied by Burnelli team plans to complete resto- going in the cockpit, passenger compart- the CH-54. We moved the A-4 and the ration in time for the aircraft’s 75th an- ment, hydraulic compartment and lav- Fokker Dr.1 triplane into storage and niversary in July 2020. NEAM needs to atory. The team spent many hours and the Cobra and the Cayuse helicopters solve housing for the finished aircraft by reconfigured the passenger seat frames back into the military hangar from stor- that time so we can exhibit the amazing, to achieve a 1940’s appearance. In Sep- age. We moved the Mustang from stor- one of a kind aircraft. tember we were approved for a grant age into the Civil Aviation Hangar and The A-10 crew has put in many hours from the John G. Martin Foundation for rearranged the racing aircraft into a rac- on the paint preparations for the Wart- interior restoration. We selected a ven- ing corner in the Civil Aviation Hangar. hog exterior to ensure that final painting dor to complete the seat upholstery and The storage hangar has been rearranged will be high quality. We received funds they are now working on the task. Work and organized to hold the current inven- for painting preparations and equipment continues with interior painting and tory most efficiently. In addition, many from the same grant from the Mortensen headliner and cabin refitting. We hope weekends were spent on the consolida- Foundation described above for the Bur- to have the interior restored to allow tion, cleaning, clearing and organization nelli. In addition, we received a dona- tours to visitors to travel back to early of extensive holdings in the museum’s tion of paint kits from PPG. We request- passenger air travel in Connecticut. cold storage area. ed and received the wartime history of Minor improvements and repairs were Working with the curator, Nick Hurley, this aircraft from the Air Combat Com- made to the B-29 display and rockets and a team of docents and restoration mand History Office. Due to the level of were added to the Navy fighters in the volunteers, we have put together a long- preparations needed to do the job prop- rear of the hangar. We hope to add addi- range engine display plan. In support of erly, the final painting of the A-10 will tional aircraft back into the B-29 hangar the plan, we have begun rearranging mul- not be completed until warm weather as storage areas are consolidated in 2020. returns in the spring and summer. tiple engines within the museum to bet- The Saturday crew replaced worn ter interpret the engine story. In addition, The multi-year B-25 restoration ef- landing gear components on both the we received and unloaded, with the as- forts included the cannon and gun sys- F-4 and A-4 in the military hangar. Tires sistance of the Connecticut Air National tems in the nose, as well as the other are an issue with many of our aircraft on Guard, a turbofan P&W 6000 engine do- machine gun systems. After several years display and will need to be addressed in nated by Pratt & Whitney and moved it in storage, we towed the B-25 back into the future. Thanks to L3 Harris Technol- into the military hangar. the military hangar next to the A-26. ogies for their donation of tires and tubes. The Burnelli crew accomplished the Efforts will continue on the gun systems and windows. We are also investigating This year, restoration assembled a large-scale reassembly of the CBY-3 this team to address the stabilization of the year, some parts haven’t been attached the possibility of installing a more accu- rate top turret. aircraft that are displayed outdoors. In to the fuselage for 50 years. The team the spring detailers from Pro & Local completed all sheet metal repair; com- The HOK Kaman helicopter resto- Detailing donated their time and com- pleted new application of fabric on all ration continues. In addition to the pleted exterior cleaning of multiple air- the aircraft control surfaces; applied NEAM engine study, the engine team re- final paint on the interior and the ex- stored the HOK engine mount, restored Continued next page

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2019 Restoration Report ley to the museum grounds in early 2020. in the disassembly of several of the older Continued from page 11 The Restoration team planned and displays that are removed to make room for new displays. craft. Since then our restoration team executed New England Air Museum’s prepared a plan on how to scope and 2nd Annual Helicopter Day, which was Restoration volunteers also spent prioritize the stabilization effort. The held in June. This year was a very suc- many hours on thankless tasks: oper- first aircraft that is being addressed is cessful event, that was attended by over ating vehicles, welding and machining the Coast Guard Albatross flying boat. 1200 people from throughout Connecti- parts, moving displays, providing build- Efforts to seal the wing and fuselage are cut and the New England region. ing and vehicle maintenance, supple- complete, exterior door seals and hing- The craftsmen worked behind the menting the docents on events, and es were replaced, and now we are ad- scenes on many of the displays through- picking up materials and equipment. Fi- dressing interior flooring and moisture out the museum. They built the viewing nally, I would like to give special thanks issues. Work was started on repairing platform for the VS-44 Sikorsky Flying to the key project team leaders in res- some of the fabric control surfaces. In Boat. They planned the layout, moved toration that provided the ideas, direc- addition, signage for the outside dis- the artifacts and built out the displays in tion, and organization to the multiple plays was improved. the airship corner of the Civilian Han- restoration efforts that make the New England Air Museum a hidden gem in A Sabreliner 65 was donated to the gar. The craftsmen mounted the pictures Connecticut. n museum late in 2019. Thanks go out and aircraft profiles along the walls of to the generous donor. The restoration the Civil Hangar mezzanine. They pro- Robert Vozzola team was involved in the planning and vided multiple signs and display cases, Restoration Coordinator preparations for the movement of the including the case for the mechanized aircraft from the active airfield at Brad- Gnome engine. They were also involved

Veterans Day at NEAM Left: Connecticut Veterans Association representative Illianne Corona. Right: A representative from Soldier On a veteran’s organization from Western Massachusetts. Below left: Serene Hackle, guest speak- er sharing the book her husband wrote, “Skipper Goes to War” Below right: Veterans and Volunteers – Ken Benson and Jim Skiff, F-4 pilots, share their experiences with visitors and each other.

neamnews-spring2020b.indd 12 3/22/20 11:41 PM Spring 2020 Page 13 John W. Ramsay Research Library 2019 Annual Report

e continue the evolution of our the Washington Lodge on the Aviation required the location, acquisition, re- Wcollection and space as the John and Army Logistics of the AEF Forces in pair, and use of 1960s technology such W. Ramsay Research Library. We sup- France during WWI. Carl was also our as 35mm slide and 16mm film viewers, port staff needs for research and serve go to person for identifying new photos reel tape recorders, and audio cassette the museum’s mission: Presenting the for our unique and expansive collection players. story of aviation, the human genius that of aviation photos. Carl Stidsen, with In addition, Tom provided materials made it possible, and the profound ef- help from others, handled 12 (36 in and research for museum staff and visi- fects that it has had on the way in which 2018) email reference inquiries. tors, including information on our Bur- we live. While we are closed for re-orga- Brent Leveille continues to index our nelli CB-Y (original photographs), our nization, research staff will continue to massive technical manual collection Douglas DC-3 (static discharge), our support public inquiries via reference@ that covers aircraft and aircraft engines B-29 (insulation materials), our Gyro- neam.org. including the museum’s collection and dyne XRON-1 Rotorcycle (engineering During this time, our major focus has beyond.Meanwhile, Tom Morehouse details), our Bensen B8 Autogyro (his- been on computer indexing and catalog- continues to provide technology and tory), the Doman Helicopter Company ing our multiple collections. Our goal is research support. He manages our Re- (records), the Granville Brothers R-1 to make our entire catalogue available sourceMate collections database system, SuperSportster (engine details), to the public online. The ultimate goal is online search procedures, personal and F6U-1 Pirate (design), and a Grumman to digitize our materials and make them corporate archive materials, and digiti- Widgeon (crash reports). available online facilitating use by the zation of documents and photographs. Finally, Joe Frantiska provides tech- general public. Since we currently do He entered all our museum specific nical support for our Access databases not have sufficient equipment and staff aircraft and engine tech manuals, peri- covering accessions, donors and techni- to digitize all our material, most items odical titles, and artworks into the Re- cal manuals. He works on indexing our will have to be used in the library or sent sourceMate database. Those materials, engine and aircraft tech manuals when out as fee-based photocopies or scanned in addition to art prints, books, library he is here and on the accessions data- images. With the public knowing spe- artifacts, blueprints, scrapbooks, au- base when he is at home. Joe also con- cifically what is uniquely available here, dio-video files, and archives, can now tinues to scan in all NEAM newsletters their trip to the library will be fruitful. A be identified and located by searching a so both the old and new issues can be typical search on a topic might yield the single database. searched by keyword. location of books, videos, artwork, peri- With the invaluable help of Sarah There have been several improve- odicals, technical drawings and manu- Sparks, our summer intern from the als, art prints, archival material, audio ments to the physical library space. New Simmons College Master of Library Sci- lighting in the Conference room, a view- tapes, scrapbooks, photos, and reference ence program, Tom followed the lead of file names. ing window in the conference room so the Smithsonian Air and Space Muse- we can be alerted to walk-ins, new desks As part of this team effort, Melba Grif- um by adding all the file headings from and chairs from Collins Aerospace, and fin and Dave McChesney have finished our vertical reference files and aviation a new artwork storage rack has been in- cataloging hundreds of art prints previ- photograph files into the ResourceMate stalled. All of this progress is due to our ously not accessible at the item level.Carl database. This could not have been six dedicated volunteers who worked Stidsen is annotating those same prints done without Sarah’s dedication and 1,001 hours (up from 817 hours with 7 using his aviation expertise. Carl has set assistance. volunteers in 2018). up a Ready Reference library shelf in the Tom also coordinated the identifica- Respectfully submitted, library conference room to assist in an- tion of audio and video materials (films, swering reference questions we continue Director, Dave McChesney recordings, etc.) prior to review for a dig- Associate Director, Tom Morehouse to handle. This is really helpful now un- itization grant proposal. One exciting til we move into our new space as our aspect of this project is the preservation collection is in storage. Outside of the of lectures given at NEAM by people library, Carl continues to spread his ex- such as Igor Sikorsky and Tom Crouch, pertise with briefings to the Willimantic and test-flight films from the Doman Vets Coffee House, USS Tolland Men’s Helicopter archive. Part of this project Club, Dayville’s Vet’s Coffee House and

neamnews-spring2020b.indd 13 3/22/20 11:41 PM Page 14 Spring 2020 Women Take Flight

his year’s Women Take Flight was Tbigger and better than ever with over 150 women in aerospace from twenty-five different organizations on- site engaging with our visitors. Keynote speaker Commander Rebecca J. Wad- dington of the NOAA Commissioned Corps gave visitors an inside look into life of a Hurricane Hunter pilot, and just over 600 people attended the event, in- cluding many young women and girls. n

Director of Education Amanda Goodheart Parks, Ph.D. and keynote speaker Commander Rebecca J. Waddington of the NOAA Hurricane Hunters

HORST Engineering, a sponsor of the event, made biplanes with visitors.

Above: Pratt & Whitney’s Women’s Council was one of this year’s exhibitors.

Left: Ready for take-off!

neamnews-spring2020b.indd 14 3/22/20 11:41 PM Spring 2020 Page 15 February’s Drone Day

Gone West Frederic A. Parasch Frederic A. Parasch, 87, of Sims- bury, Conn. died on April 1, 2019. Fred spent 42 years at Otis Eleva- tor becoming Manager of Service Engineering. Fred was a docent at the museum for over 10 years and enjoyed sharing his engineering knowledge about the collection. Fred is survived by his wife Fran- ces, his two daughters and family in Luxembourg.

Mike Gearin and Paula Sullivan of Photo Flight Aerial Media operate NBC-30’s Drone Ranger

Steve Sladyk explains the drones Member Jason Ortin owns and Marilyn Pearson, an FAA Aviation displayed on his table. operates On Course Drones Safety Inspector, presented a program on the non-commercial use of drones. Santa!

Right: Santa arrives for the annual Breakfast with over one hundred people in attendance.

Far right: Santa listens carefully to a young visitor.

neamnews-spring2020b.indd 15 3/22/20 11:41 PM PageConnecticut 16 Aeronautical Spring 2020 U. S. Postage Historical Association PAID New England Air Museum Standard 36 Perimeter Road Permit #344 New London, CT Windsor Locks, CT 06096

While visiting with dad, these young visitors are ready to become pilots!

Our neighbors at Embraer stopped by to present a check in support of our SOAR for STEM program.

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