The Tillamook Air Museum, Tillamook, Oregon, has announced a major step toward its future, with the Port of Tillamook Bay Commissioners approving a term sheet for the land lease and future sale of the museum’s historic WWII-era Hangar B to the Utah-based nonprofit Vintage Aviation Museum. While ownership and operations are expected to transition to Vintage Aviation Museum, officials emphasized that the institution will continue operating as the Tillamook Air Museum, preserving its longstanding connection to Tillamook, Naval Air Station Tillamook, and the iconic Hangar B that has defined the museum for decades. The announcement marks another significant development for the museum, which has been working toward reopening following the severe storm damage that struck Hangar B in December 2025. Museum officials said preparations are already underway behind the scenes as they work toward welcoming visitors back, with a reopening date to be announced in the future.
Under the partnership, Vintage Aviation Museum plans to relocate much of its aircraft collection to Tillamook, expanding the museum’s display inventory and bringing additional historic aircraft to the massive former blimp hangar. Long-term plans call for utilizing the full Hangar B facility for aviation exhibits, aircraft preservation projects, educational programming, and expanded visitor experiences. Museum leaders also stressed that preserving Hangar B remains a top priority. Following the museum’s reopening, efforts will continue to focus on repairing and restoring the historic structure, ensuring its long-term survival as one of the nation’s most significant remaining WWII blimp hangars. The transition to nonprofit management is expected to provide greater flexibility for fundraising, partnerships, grants, and future development projects.
Officials said the museum will continue pursuing new initiatives aimed at preserving aviation history while expanding educational opportunities for visitors and local students. “We will continue to be the Tillamook Air Museum,” the organization said in its announcement, noting that preserving the stories of the people, aircraft, and history connected to the site will remain central to its mission. The museum also expressed gratitude to the Port of Tillamook Bay, which has owned and operated the facility for more than a decade, crediting the Port’s support with helping the museum grow into its current role as one of Oregon’s premier aviation heritage attractions.
(Image credit: Tillamook Air Museum)
Officials further reaffirmed their commitment to working alongside the Friends of the Tillamook Air Museum (FOTAM), whose volunteers have played a key role in supporting museum operations and preservation efforts over the years. The partnership signals a new chapter for the museum while maintaining its established identity and mission. As restoration and reopening efforts continue, supporters will have opportunities to contribute through Vintage Aviation Museum to help fund exhibit preparation, restoration projects, and other work necessary to bring the Tillamook Air Museum back to the public. For more information and to support the Tillamook Air Museum, click on this link: www.tillamookair.com.
