A group of dedicated volunteers has been working hard to bring a new attraction to Colorado Springs ñ the National Museum of World War II Aviation, housed in two hangars and a black and white checkered building near the Colorado Springs airport.In February, the museum received a resolution of support from the El Paso County Board of County Commissioners.Although the museum will draw on the World War II aircraft collector community for a changing array of airplanes, it’s not a flying museum, said Jim Stewart, co-chair of the museum’s board of directors.ìThis museum is about what happened in World War II, how we as a country came together and how we changed as a nation and became more global,î Stewart said.Co-located with the museum is Westpac Restorations, a company that restores World War II aircraft. Visitors to the museum will be able to observe the vintage aircraft restoration process.ìThe board of directors of this museum and individuals have already put $14 million into this project,î said Westpac’s owner, Bill Klaers, who is also on the museum’s board.Colorado Springs Airport donated 20 acres to the museum.ìThis is a terrific project, and I’m glad the airport had an opportunity to participate in it,î said airport director Mark Earle. ìWe’re also providing support in other ways, when it comes to infrastructure, roadways and utilities.îThe volunteers are currently raising $500,000 to fund the museum’s third phase, which is designing six educational areas to promote a deeper understanding of American aviation in World War II and its legacy today.ìWe’re working diligently to find that funding in the local community,î Stewart said. ìWe have some very strong supporters locally, across the nation and around the world.îAccording to the museum’s Web site, displays will focus on the period before the attack on Pearl Harbor, followed by efforts to build up America’s arsenal of aircraft and the use of that arsenal in Japan and Europe. The last display will reflect the legacies of World War II aviation, such as today’s system of air travel and global distribution of consumer goods.Museum volunteers are conducting tours once a month throughout the summer. Visitors can sign up for the 60-to-90-minute tour at http://WorldWarIIAviation.org.The next tours are scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday, March 5 and Monday, April 2. Groups of more than eight must schedule two weeks in advance.The museum is at 765 Aviation Way in Colorado Springs.
