Dayton History to operate NAHF public Learning Center
The Congressionally-chartered non-profit National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) publicly announced a new partnership that turns the daily operations of the NAHF Learning Center over to Dayton History, effective January 1, 2015.
The Congressionally-chartered non-profit National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) publicly announced a new partnership that turns the daily operations of the NAHF Learning Center over to Dayton History, effective January 1, 2015. Located at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force (NMUSAF), the 14,500-square-foot NAHF Learning Center exhibit hall features displays, flight simulators, and interactive exhibits that honor its 225 enshrinees.
The agreement includes Dayton History's integration of the NAHF volunteers into its volunteer association, providing a full-time Education Department staff member, and enhancing the historical interpretation and education programming within the center. The NAHF's various annual award and outreach activities, including its enshrinement selection process and ceremonies, public events at the Reno Air Races, Oshkosh, and the NBAA convention, and other educational programs, will remain under the direction of the Hall of Fame's board of trustees.
NAHF Chairman of the Board, William R. Harris, said, "This stellar example of creative collaboration between two vibrant non-profits is a multiple win, raising the bar for the Hall of Fame, Dayton History, the aviation legends we honor, and our entire community." Harris pointed out that with free admission and parking, the NAHF benefits from being located at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, which attracts over one million visitors a year. "We are delighted to build on that with Dayton History's help, and to further expand the Hall of Fame's ability to inspire future leaders."
Congressman Mike Turner (R-Dayton) was among officials announcing the partnership at a morning press event in the Learning Center. "I was honored to join my good friend, Zoe Dell Nutter, to help facilitate this beneficial partnership between Dayton History and the NAHF," said Turner, adding, "Dayton is the birthplace of aviation and therefore the rightful place for the National Aviation Hall of Fame. This new collaboration will better align the aviation assets in our region and enable more visitors to be exposed to the exhibits and educational programming located at the Learning Center."
