By Clarissa Poston
AMA Foundation Chief Communications Officer | clarissap@modelaircraft.org
THE NATIONAL MODEL Aviation Museum’s new Hands-On Education Gallery is beginning to take flight! As part of the International Aeromodeling Center (IAC) Improvement Project, work continues to be done to create a reimagined learning space for youth, families, school groups, and museum visitors from across the country.
At the time of this writing, additional milestones have been reached in the project’s progress. All drywall work in the gallery has been completed, providing a finished foundation for new graphics, paint, and mountings. Additionally, more exhibit designs have been completed, helping to bring the vision for the gallery into sharper focus, and related educational programming is being developed to support each exhibit. This educational programming will allow for reproduction and distribution at a club level, ensuring that AMA clubs across the country have the ability to share each lesson with those in their communities.
Fabrication is the next step in the project, and it will be the most exciting leg yet! With each step, the reimagined gallery is moving closer to welcoming visitors into a space that highlights our hobby in an unintimidating, engaging way. We can’t wait for you to see it!
The team working on this project is comprised of a variety of AMA staff, including AMA Foundation Chief Communications Officer Clarissa Poston, AMA Foundation Executive Director Steve Haston, AMA Foundation Deputy Director Rachelle Haughn, Education Director Kyle Jaracz, Education Development Coordinator Gwen Mathis, National Model Aviation Museum Director Michael Smith, and National Model Aviation Museum Archivist and Historian Jackie Shalberg. The team’s efforts, in addition to the work by Kraemer Design + Production (KD+P), have been monumental in keeping this project on track and running smoothly.
The AMA Foundation is grateful for the generosity that has helped make this project possible. From the support of the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) to the dedication of AMA members, donors, and community partners, the IAC Improvement Project continues to demonstrate what can happen when people come together around a shared vision.
There is still much work ahead, and donor support will remain essential to the longterm success of the gallery. We encourage you to get involved and consider making a gift to our Hands-On Fund. All donations will be put toward the sustainment and improvement of the reimagined gallery, ensuring that you have a direct impact on inspiring youth and newcomers through aviation, education, and hands-on discovery.
Those who are interested in naming opportunities for new exhibits or have questions about the project can contact AMA Foundation Executive Director Steve Haston at the contact information in “Sources.”
SOURCES:
AMA Foundation Executive Director Steve Haston
(765) 287-1256, ext. 279
IDDC
KD+P