Donor Support Powers Preservation and Innovation at the Intrepid Museum

Donor support is the driving force behind the Intrepid Museum’s mission to preserve history and spark curiosity. From acquiring a rare WWII-era Corsair to launching immersive exhibitions like Mysteries from the Deep, individual contributions help safeguard iconic artifacts—including the aircraft carrier Intrepid, submarine Growler, and Space Shuttle Enterprise.

Moreno Aguiari
Moreno Aguiari
The Intrepid Museum, a private non-profit, holds a special place in New York City’s cultural landscape. Founded in 1982 with the acquisition of the storied WWII aircraft carrier Intrepid—a National Historic Landmark and the centerpiece of its collection—the Museum welcomes over one million visitors annually from all around the world.
AirCorps Aircraft Depot

The Intrepid Museum’s nationally-recognized historic preservation work is more than a mission—it’s a movement. Thanks to the generous support of individual donors, the Museum continues to restore aerospace icons, maintain the legendary aircraft carrier Intrepid and submarine Growler, and preserve the powerful stories that fuel its acclaimed education programs and exhibitions. At the intersection of science and service, history and innovation, donor contributions are ensuring that the Museum not only protects its past but also lights the way for future generations.

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A recent view of USS Intrepid at Pier 86 on Manhattan Island, New York City. (image via Wikipedia)

New Additions and Expanding Exhibits

Recent donor support has played a pivotal role in acquiring a rare World War II-era F4U Corsair fighter aircraft, now a dramatic centerpiece of the Museum’s latest permanent exhibition. The addition enhances the Museum’s narrative of naval aviation history and brings visitors closer to the courageous stories of those who flew them.

Intrepid Museum Acquire Iconic FG 1D Corsair 8 1
Photo by Intrepid Museum

This summer, donor contributions are also helping bring the Museum’s newest temporary exhibition, Mysteries from the Deep: Exploring Underwater Archaeology, to life. This interactive experience will offer guests a deeper understanding of marine exploration and the technologies used to uncover long-lost artifacts from the ocean floor. Looking ahead, continued support will help open more of the Intrepid’s historic spaces to the public—offering new perspectives on life aboard the iconic aircraft carrier during its years of active service.

Space Shuttle Enterprise delivered to the Intrepid Museum
The space shuttle Enterprise is lifted off of a barge and onto the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, where it will be on permanent display, Wednesday, June 6, 2012, in New York. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls). Image via Wikipedia

Preserving Icons of Innovation

In an era of increasing uncertainty across the philanthropic landscape, the role of individual donors has never been more vital. Their support is instrumental in preserving National Historic Landmarks and irreplaceable artifacts, including:

  • The aircraft carrier Intrepid, a veteran of World War II and the Vietnam War
  • The guided missile submarine Growler, the only one of its kind open to the public in the U.S.
  • Over two dozen historic aircraft, including the record-setting British Airways Concorde
  • The Space Shuttle Enterprise, the largest space vehicle on display in the Northeast

Shaping the Future Through Preservation

With every donation, supporters join a growing community committed to honoring the past while inspiring the future. Their impact extends beyond restoration and exhibition—it fuels immersive educational initiatives and workforce development programs designed to empower the next generation of innovators, explorers, and leaders. To learn more or to make a contribution, visit intrepidmuseum.org. Your support helps ensure that the legacy of Intrepid and its extraordinary collection will continue to educate and inspire for years to come.

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Introducing the Intrepid Museums New Look

AirCorps Aircraft Depot
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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