Lone Star Flight Museum Moving?
Tue Aug 16, 2011 5:10 pm
According to an article in today's Houston Chronicle the Lone Star Flight Museum is moving from Galveston to Ellington Field near Houston. I'm guessing one major motivation is to protect the museum and it's aircraft from hurricane damage such as happening during Hurricane Ike. No mention of a time frame in the article. Anyone have some good info on whether this is true and if so when? Always enjoyed visiting Scholes Field and the museum when in Galveston. Need to make a final trip before the move!
Re: Lone Star Flight Museum Moving?
Tue Aug 16, 2011 5:35 pm
It's true, they are waiting on Houston City Council approval of the lease. Should be this week. Larry Gregory says the move won't be any sooner than 3 years. Ellington is becoming Warbird Central in the South.
Re: Lone Star Flight Museum Moving?
Tue Aug 16, 2011 7:04 pm
RickH wrote:It's true, they are waiting on Houston City Council approval of the lease. Should be this week. Larry Gregory says the move won't be any sooner than 3 years. Ellington is becoming Warbird Central in the South.
Can they take the place of that other group that doesn't like things associated with Vietnam????? <just couldn't resist...flame suit on....and saying it with giggles and laughter>
I hope it is a good move for LSFM....I believe it will be.
Last edited by LadyO2Pilot on Tue Aug 16, 2011 7:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Lone Star Flight Museum Moving?
Tue Aug 16, 2011 7:21 pm
All I can say is that, we was there fust ! But we're glad they're coming up the road to a higher elevation ! When you start at 8 ft MSL, everything is a higher elevation !
Re: Lone Star Flight Museum Moving?
Tue Aug 16, 2011 7:23 pm
Can they take they place of that other group that doesn't like things associated with Vietnam?????
Don't start no.....won't be no......
Re: Lone Star Flight Museum Moving?
Tue Aug 16, 2011 7:31 pm
Whoa, now there's yer basic bombshell, first I heard of it. 
Boy, that's a tough one; Galveston has all the tourism, but the hurricane said all that needs to be said about.... well, you know. Hmmm. Whatever, I find the notion of "Ellington .... becoming Warbird Central in the South" exceedingly intriguing! And I certainly echo best wishes for LSFM in any case.
........AND, I wouldn't mind seeing Galveston become just a little more realistic. As in, don't put anything down there you ain't prepared to lose. Because it's coming. Plus, I say it because I secretly hope everyone leaves, and G'ston goes back to being a quiet little backwater resort town. (Now you KNOW I've lost my grip on reality.)
EDIT: I started hanging out at LSFM when it was at Hobby, so any move won't come as an insurmountable shock to my system. For that matter, I was surprised when they moved it to G'ston.
Boy, that's a tough one; Galveston has all the tourism, but the hurricane said all that needs to be said about.... well, you know. Hmmm. Whatever, I find the notion of "Ellington .... becoming Warbird Central in the South" exceedingly intriguing! And I certainly echo best wishes for LSFM in any case.
........AND, I wouldn't mind seeing Galveston become just a little more realistic. As in, don't put anything down there you ain't prepared to lose. Because it's coming. Plus, I say it because I secretly hope everyone leaves, and G'ston goes back to being a quiet little backwater resort town. (Now you KNOW I've lost my grip on reality.)
EDIT: I started hanging out at LSFM when it was at Hobby, so any move won't come as an insurmountable shock to my system. For that matter, I was surprised when they moved it to G'ston.
Re: Lone Star Flight Museum Moving?
Tue Aug 16, 2011 9:36 pm
Here's the article today's Galveston paper:
Flight museum to fly north to Ellington
By T.J. Aulds
The Daily News
Published August 16, 2011
GALVESTON — The Lone Star Flight Museum, a fixture at the airport on the island for 23 years, appears set for takeoff for a flight north to Houston’s Ellington International Airport.
The Houston City Council is set to review and approve a lease agreement with the nonprofit museum today or Wednesday.
If approved, the museum would move its display of 30-plus vintage aircraft — many from World War II — and its Texas Aviation Hall of Fame to Ellington Field, which is being expanded and renamed.
Larry Gregory, the executive director for the museum, confirmed the agreement to lease property and build a new facility at Ellington. The move is strictly because of the threat of damage to the millions of dollars in aircraft and flight memorabilia kept at the museum, he said.
Ike Flooding Prompted New Venue
Hurricane Ike caused more than $20 million in damage to the Lone Star Flight Museum and its collection in 2008.
“Obviously the damage suffered by Ike was monumental,” Gregory said. “We know something like this will happen again. We just can’t be in that position again.”
Ike flooded the museum with 7 feet of water and destroyed many of the displays. While some planes were able to be flown to safety before the storm, most were left behind and sat in saltwater for days.
The hall of fame was destroyed. It featured many “irreplaceable” personal items from inductees, including those from former President George H.W. Bush, former Sen. Lloyd Bentsen and Texans who were members of the Doolittle Raid team during World War II.
“We have no issues with the city,” Gregory said. “We have to do what’s best for the aircraft and the artifacts.”
Options To Remain Sought
Even as the museum started discussing a possible move a couple of years ago, local officials sought ways to keep the attraction that draws about 50,000 visitors a year.
“We discussed with the flight museum what it would take to make them stay,” said Hud Hopkins, manager of Galveston’s Scholes International Airport. Hopkins and Galveston Economic Development Partnership President Jeff Sjostrom met with museum officials.
“Bottom line, it was about elevation,” Hopkins said. “(The museum) could not let what happened during Ike happen again.”
Hopkins said that the Galveston Park Board of Trustees also got involved in an attempt to keep the popular tourist attraction on the island. But the answer was always the same — the museum needed to be in a more protected place.
Gregory said there are no feasible options to protect the facility from a storm surge.
“It would take elevating the building another 15 feet and then building a ramp to get down to the runway,” he said. “That just wouldn’t work.”
Ellington Expanding
With the move, the flight museum will be going to a different look Ellington International Airport, which is undergoing a major expansion.
While talks between the museum and Houston airport officials began about two years ago, the negotiations for a lease agreement didn’t start until this year, Houston Airport System spokeswoman Marlene McClinton said.
She said the airport was not offering the flight museum any incentives to make the move and the new facility would have to be funded by the Lone Star Flight Museum.
Gregory said that’s why he doesn’t anticipate any move to happen for at least three years.
No Immediate Move
“As long as we are on the island, we will keep things going as before,” Gregory said. “We hope to continue to be a valued member of the community as a top tourism attraction.”
Local tourism officials hope so, too.
“The Lone Star Flight Museum is a great complement to all of Galveston Island’s other wonderful historical attractions because it is so rare and unlike any other museum in the world,” Galveston Island Convention and Visitors Bureau public relations manager Leah Cast said. “When (the) time comes, of course, tourism will be effected in some way, but for now, we expect the flight museum to continue to be a valuable asset to our community.”
Cast said it was difficult to measure exactly what impact the loss of the museum would have on island tourism.
“The flight museum definitely provides a wonderful, unique experience for visitors that positively contributes to the overall health of the island’s tourism industry,” she said. “But the museum also benefits greatly from being located right next door to two of Galveston’s top attractions, Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Galveston Island.”
Airport Vital For Economy
While disappointed that such a tourist draw was planning to leave the city, Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski said he understands the reasoning behind the decision.
“We hate to lose one of our unique attractions,” Jaworski said. “We will miss the sounds of the vintage planes buzzing around the island, but (the city) understands after such a traumatic flood if their membership believes Ellington is a better location, they are simply being responsible to their membership.”
Even without the flight museum, the airport will be a major economic engine for the city in the future, the mayor said. Last week, the city council approved an agreement to bring high-end, fixed-based operator MillionAir to Scholes.
“The airport is going to be one of the busiest facilities in our portfolio,” Jaworski said. “There’s going to be a lot of money coursing through that airport in the course of the next few years.”
The museum’s lease with the Galveston airport has 20 years remaining. The museum owns the building, but leases the land it sits on for about $2,000 a month, Hopkins said.
“I’ve told (Gregory) we will work with you on getting a new tenant in there that’s mutually beneficial,” Hopkins said.
__._,_.___
__,_._,___
Flight museum to fly north to Ellington
By T.J. Aulds
The Daily News
Published August 16, 2011
GALVESTON — The Lone Star Flight Museum, a fixture at the airport on the island for 23 years, appears set for takeoff for a flight north to Houston’s Ellington International Airport.
The Houston City Council is set to review and approve a lease agreement with the nonprofit museum today or Wednesday.
If approved, the museum would move its display of 30-plus vintage aircraft — many from World War II — and its Texas Aviation Hall of Fame to Ellington Field, which is being expanded and renamed.
Larry Gregory, the executive director for the museum, confirmed the agreement to lease property and build a new facility at Ellington. The move is strictly because of the threat of damage to the millions of dollars in aircraft and flight memorabilia kept at the museum, he said.
Ike Flooding Prompted New Venue
Hurricane Ike caused more than $20 million in damage to the Lone Star Flight Museum and its collection in 2008.
“Obviously the damage suffered by Ike was monumental,” Gregory said. “We know something like this will happen again. We just can’t be in that position again.”
Ike flooded the museum with 7 feet of water and destroyed many of the displays. While some planes were able to be flown to safety before the storm, most were left behind and sat in saltwater for days.
The hall of fame was destroyed. It featured many “irreplaceable” personal items from inductees, including those from former President George H.W. Bush, former Sen. Lloyd Bentsen and Texans who were members of the Doolittle Raid team during World War II.
“We have no issues with the city,” Gregory said. “We have to do what’s best for the aircraft and the artifacts.”
Options To Remain Sought
Even as the museum started discussing a possible move a couple of years ago, local officials sought ways to keep the attraction that draws about 50,000 visitors a year.
“We discussed with the flight museum what it would take to make them stay,” said Hud Hopkins, manager of Galveston’s Scholes International Airport. Hopkins and Galveston Economic Development Partnership President Jeff Sjostrom met with museum officials.
“Bottom line, it was about elevation,” Hopkins said. “(The museum) could not let what happened during Ike happen again.”
Hopkins said that the Galveston Park Board of Trustees also got involved in an attempt to keep the popular tourist attraction on the island. But the answer was always the same — the museum needed to be in a more protected place.
Gregory said there are no feasible options to protect the facility from a storm surge.
“It would take elevating the building another 15 feet and then building a ramp to get down to the runway,” he said. “That just wouldn’t work.”
Ellington Expanding
With the move, the flight museum will be going to a different look Ellington International Airport, which is undergoing a major expansion.
While talks between the museum and Houston airport officials began about two years ago, the negotiations for a lease agreement didn’t start until this year, Houston Airport System spokeswoman Marlene McClinton said.
She said the airport was not offering the flight museum any incentives to make the move and the new facility would have to be funded by the Lone Star Flight Museum.
Gregory said that’s why he doesn’t anticipate any move to happen for at least three years.
No Immediate Move
“As long as we are on the island, we will keep things going as before,” Gregory said. “We hope to continue to be a valued member of the community as a top tourism attraction.”
Local tourism officials hope so, too.
“The Lone Star Flight Museum is a great complement to all of Galveston Island’s other wonderful historical attractions because it is so rare and unlike any other museum in the world,” Galveston Island Convention and Visitors Bureau public relations manager Leah Cast said. “When (the) time comes, of course, tourism will be effected in some way, but for now, we expect the flight museum to continue to be a valuable asset to our community.”
Cast said it was difficult to measure exactly what impact the loss of the museum would have on island tourism.
“The flight museum definitely provides a wonderful, unique experience for visitors that positively contributes to the overall health of the island’s tourism industry,” she said. “But the museum also benefits greatly from being located right next door to two of Galveston’s top attractions, Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Galveston Island.”
Airport Vital For Economy
While disappointed that such a tourist draw was planning to leave the city, Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski said he understands the reasoning behind the decision.
“We hate to lose one of our unique attractions,” Jaworski said. “We will miss the sounds of the vintage planes buzzing around the island, but (the city) understands after such a traumatic flood if their membership believes Ellington is a better location, they are simply being responsible to their membership.”
Even without the flight museum, the airport will be a major economic engine for the city in the future, the mayor said. Last week, the city council approved an agreement to bring high-end, fixed-based operator MillionAir to Scholes.
“The airport is going to be one of the busiest facilities in our portfolio,” Jaworski said. “There’s going to be a lot of money coursing through that airport in the course of the next few years.”
The museum’s lease with the Galveston airport has 20 years remaining. The museum owns the building, but leases the land it sits on for about $2,000 a month, Hopkins said.
“I’ve told (Gregory) we will work with you on getting a new tenant in there that’s mutually beneficial,” Hopkins said.
__._,_.___
__,_._,___
Re: Lone Star Flight Museum Moving?
Tue Aug 16, 2011 11:51 pm
Too bad they couldn't run the flying stuff out of Scholes with their static museum and maintenance out of Ellington. If only money grew on trees? The accessability and reduced trafffic at Galveston was great.
I'd heard they had attempted a deal at Ellington months ago, but ramp access was an issue...now apparently it has been resolved.
I'd heard they had attempted a deal at Ellington months ago, but ramp access was an issue...now apparently it has been resolved.
Re: Lone Star Flight Museum Moving?
Wed Aug 17, 2011 12:32 am
Anyone who is really interested in warbirds, will surely go to EFD and visit the LSFM at their new digs, on their way to, or back from Galveston.
Being closer to Houston proper, it will also make it more accessible for day tourists; you could do NASA and LSFM in one day.
Saludos,
Tulio
Being closer to Houston proper, it will also make it more accessible for day tourists; you could do NASA and LSFM in one day.
Saludos,
Tulio
Re: Lone Star Flight Museum Moving?
Wed Aug 17, 2011 2:40 am
Tulio wrote:Being closer to Houston proper, it will also make it more accessible for day tourists; you could do NASA and LSFM in one day.
That's certainly true Tulio, and with the financial hit the NASA neighborhood is taking with lay-offs etc. the tourist crowd of LSFM will be attractive to the local businesses.
I wonder if the folks who keep their warbirds parked at MillionAir will keep them ready at Scholes now?
Re: Lone Star Flight Museum Moving?
Wed Aug 17, 2011 3:40 am
I have never understood the museums that chose to locate in tornado/hurricane areas. To me, it seems almost criminal to keep irreplaceable historical artifacts in harms way. I certainly wouldn't give years/decades of volunteer help to them, just to see all my work destroyed by mother nature.
While I applaud LSFM for their decision, I'm wondering if moving a paltry 30 miles NNW of their current home is really much of an improvement. While the risk of hurricanes is lower, the risk of tornadoes and severe storms appears the same, based on an hour of internet research.
Now, where did I put that flame suit?
While I applaud LSFM for their decision, I'm wondering if moving a paltry 30 miles NNW of their current home is really much of an improvement. While the risk of hurricanes is lower, the risk of tornadoes and severe storms appears the same, based on an hour of internet research.
Now, where did I put that flame suit?
Re: Lone Star Flight Museum Moving?
Wed Aug 17, 2011 6:17 am
I have never understood the museums that chose to locate in tornado/hurricane areas. To me, it seems almost criminal to keep irreplaceable historical artifacts in harms way. I certainly wouldn't give years/decades of volunteer help to them, just to see all my work destroyed by mother nature.
While I applaud LSFM for their decision, I'm wondering if moving a paltry 30 miles NNW of their current home is really much of an improvement. While the risk of hurricanes is lower, the risk of tornadoes and severe storms appears the same, based on an hour of internet research.
Where would be a good place to put them ?
Ellington is actually a much better choice, it has a 48 ft elevation versus 8 ft. Water is what got LSFM, storm surge has always been the issue, you can build for wind. You can get hit with a severe thunderstorm or tornado anywhere, and we don't have earthquakes or heavy snowstorms.
Ellington is also easily accessible to tourists and the 4 1/2 million people that live in the region.
They won't be the first warbird operation to reside there. We're waiting for them.
Re: Lone Star Flight Museum Moving?
Wed Aug 17, 2011 7:55 am
Sounds like it's a done deal. Overall, it's probably a move to improve the museum, closer to a large population, bigger airfield and facilities, safer from storm surges, etc. I just hope access for the non-warbird community, the regular Joe Schmoo with his kids, is as easy as Galveston. Wish them all the luck and count me in as a frequent visitor.
Re: Lone Star Flight Museum Moving?
Wed Aug 17, 2011 9:08 am
A much better choice would be Midland..................ducking for cover now!
Re: Lone Star Flight Museum Moving?
Wed Aug 17, 2011 9:13 am
NO NO NO - a better choice would be a tornado/hurricane free, 4237 elevation, 6 original WWII hangar locale - I mean bring it all out to WENDOVER 
According to the local commerce office more than 2M folks visit Wendover each year and a museum like LSFM would be great. Rick and company could take over management of the Texas Hall of Fame and voila - everyone is happy.
I'm going to go start sweeping out the hangars for the new arrivals
Tom P.
www.wendoverairbase.com
According to the local commerce office more than 2M folks visit Wendover each year and a museum like LSFM would be great. Rick and company could take over management of the Texas Hall of Fame and voila - everyone is happy.
I'm going to go start sweeping out the hangars for the new arrivals
Tom P.
www.wendoverairbase.com