A message from The Friends of the Tillamook Air Museum about the exciting update this week (See below for link to announcement of sale by Port of Tillamook Bay):
We strongly support the Port of Tillamook Bay’s decision to transition Hangar B and the Tillamook Air Museum to the nonprofit Vintage Aviation Museum.
This is more than a change in management. It is an opportunity to begin a new chapter for one of Tillamook County’s most important historic landmarks. For months, the future of Hangar B has been uncertain. The agreement with Vintage Aviation Museum provides a path forward—one that combines aviation preservation, museum operations, private fundraising and a renewed commitment to keeping this remarkable World War II structure standing.
Just as importantly, nonprofit leadership can help bring the national attention Hangar B desperately needs. Saving a building of this size and historical significance cannot be accomplished through local fundraising alone. We need foundations, corporations, aviation enthusiasts, preservation organizations and donors from across America to understand what Hangar B is—and what could be lost. Now it is time for Tillamook County to step up.
The Tillamook County Commissioners should work with the new Tillamook Air Museum and help identify tourism, lodging-tax, economic-development and other funding opportunities that can support its success. This should not be viewed simply as money spent preserving an old building. It is an investment in tourism.
A revitalized Tillamook Air Museum can bring more visitors to the Oregon Coast, encourage longer stays, support hotels, restaurants and local businesses, and give travelers another compelling reason to stop in Tillamook.
The Port has taken an important step. Vintage Aviation Museum is stepping forward. FOTAM stands ready to help. Now we need Tillamook County standing beside us.
Together, we can build a stronger museum, attract national support and ensure future generations can walk through those enormous doors and experience Hangar B for themselves.
It’s time to move forward. It’s time to SAVE HANGAR B.
