There’s some good news for the Lone Star Flight Museum, as Texas just received a sizeable grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help the museum move from their currently flood-prone facility in Galveston, Texas to a more reliably flood-free location in Houston. Following the disastrous tidal surge caused by Hurricane Ike which inundated LSFM and its precious artifacts in September, 2008, the museum board decided it was no longer feasible to remain at their present location. After careful consideration, they chose to move the Lone Star Flight Museum, and the co-located Texas Aviation Hall of Fame to Ellington Field. The move made perfect sense from many perspectives, as in addition to the safer environment, there is a larger pool of potential aviation-minded visitors, as well as a strong volunteer base from the local aerospace industry. There are also several other vintage aviation collections at Ellington Field, including The Texas Flying Legends Museum and the Collings Foundation’s fleet of Viet Nam War era aircraft.
FEMA awarded the $7.6 million grant to help Lone Star and the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame re-establish themselves in a brand new 125,000-square-foot building. It made more sense to move, rather than rebuild in Galveston as the chance of another massive storm wreaking havoc on the collection is becoming more and more likely in today’s more unpredictable climate. Of course the new building, and the move will cost far more than the $7.6 million in FEMA assistance.
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.
Another plus, the Wings Over Houston airshow is at Ellington…or at least it was there the last time I was able to attend.
Wow, our tax dollars used to move a museum that made a poor initial site selection? Really? If I choose to make this my problem, I can donate money to the museum.