Old News Stories
AVIATION MUSEUM TAKES OFF!
2008-08-12
Fundraising Successes Lead to Major New Developments
MARIETTA, GA - The Aviation Museum & Discovery Center (AMDC) is now in position to move ahead with construction plans and to pursue its Reaching New Heights Campaign goal of raising an additional $6 million to total $14 million over the next two years. “To date, the Aviation Museum & Discovery Center has raised $7.8 million in cash and in-kind resources, just $200,000 shy of our immediate goal of $8 million by the end of this year,” said Lt. General (Ret.) David Poythress, fundraising campaign chairman, in his State of the Organization Address last week. “So many people have worked hard to make this dream a reality, and now we are about to begin construction,” he said. “Cobb County and, in fact, all of our fellow Georgians will be honored to have a place to bring their children to remember the wonderful heritage of aviation in Georgia, and perhaps to have them become engaged in the sciences associated with aviation.”
General Poythress announced the ground breaking ceremony for AMDC’s first building will be held on Saturday, October 4th, 2008, at “Dance the Skies” Gala which will feature dinner, dancing and entertainment, as well as a live auction. “Be sure to mark your calendars,” he said. “All are invited to attend this historic event! It will be a fun-filled, extraordinary night to remember!”
As chairman of the Reaching New Heights Campaign, General Poythress explained that the Gala will also kick-off efforts to raise the additional $6 million to complete construction of the museum. “Phase I of the building plan will allow us to house temporary exhibits and provide Discovery Center experiences while the additional funds will complete the permanent Exhibit Hall and Education Center,” said Gen. Poythress. “Our vision,” he explained, “is to be the premiere venue not only to celebrate the history and innovation of aviation, but to explore the applications of science, technology, engineering and mathematics to aviation. We want to stimulate the imagination through creative educational programs.”
At the Board of Directors meeting following the State of the Organization Address, board members voted to elevate Robert B. Ormsby, Jr. from President to President Emeritus.
Mr. Ormsby is past president of Lockheed Georgia Company and led the board over the past five years toward AMDC’s mission: to discover the wonders of flight from concept to reality, to explore the heritage of aviation, to dream about the future possibilities of science and technology, and to engage in life-long learning and critical thinking that promotes national excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Mr. Ormsby set in motion the community’s interest in the Aviation Museum. Through his leadership, he recruited leaders from the civic and business communities to build the corporate foundation. “We are in his debt and are thankful for his dream and commitment to this great cause, “said Lori Cowie, Executive Director of the museum. The gavel was then passed to Chuck Clay, a local attorney and grandson of General Lucius Clay, father of the Berlin Airlift of 1948-49, and Marietta native-son.
Click here for more information on the Dance the Skies Gala set for October 4, 2008. Visit our Donate Now page to make a contribution to help us meet our fundraising goal before the end of this year.
100 Years of Aviation in Georgia
2007-10-26
This year marks 100 years since Ben T. Epps built and flew the first airplane in Georgia. Since that historic flight in 1907, aviation has continued to play a significant role in Georgia’s history and economy.
In celebration of this historic anniversary, Georgia Public Broadcasting aired a new documentary, The South Takes Flight, on October 22, 2007. The documentary traces the development of aviation in Georgia from Ben Epp's first fragile flying machine in 1907, to today's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport - the world's busiest. Along the way, it revisits the early barnstormers whose passion and daring laid the foundation, the wars that drove aircraft development, and the airports and manufacturers that power Georgia's economy.
The documentary includes segments of an interview with Aviation Museum President Bob Ormsby.
The South Takes Flight: 100 Years of Aviation in Georgia dvd will be released in December. Pre-orders of the dvd are being taken until November 19th and can be ordered by contacting:
Broadcast Solutions
c/o Shannon Phillips
260 14th Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
404-685-2805
HERITAGE TO HORIZONS GOLF OPEN - OCT. 8TH
2007-08-07
The Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia is pleased to announce the Heritage to Horizons Open commemorating the 60th anniversary of the United States Air Force to be held on October 8th, 2007 at City Club Marietta.
It’s been 60 years since the United States Air Force became a separate military service in 1947. The 60th anniversary allows us all the chance to recognize the challenges the Air Force has overcome, the limits it has redefined and the future victories it will shape.
Atlanta is one of six cities selected by Air Force Chief of Staff General Michael Moseley to host an Air Force Week. The 94th Airlift Wing at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, near Marietta, is the host wing for local events taking place October 8th -14th.
On the morning of October 8th, players in the Heritage to Horizons Open will tee off to recognize the over 26,000 airmen who are either from or live in Georgia.
Prior to the start of the tournament, players are invited to attend a separate official Air Force Week Atlanta Event on site where Governor Sonny Perdue will issue a historic proclamation launching Air Force Week Atlanta celebrations in Georgia.
To join us in honoring Georgia's brave airmen, visit our Support page.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANK DONATES $50,000 TO AVIATION MUSEUM
2007-06-12
United Community Bank recently joined the effort to build the Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia by making a generous contribution that will help to commemorate Marietta’s rich aviation history. 
Bob Walsh, UCB President, and Joe Daniell, UCB Senior Vice President, presented Aviation Museum Cobb County Chairwoman Gail Downing with a check for $50,000 at the museum office in Emerson Court.
KNOWLES JOINS EFFORT TO BUILD NEW AVIATION MUSEUM IN COBB
2007-06-12
Mike Knowles, President and CEO of NorthWest Bank & Trust, was recently appointed Financial Services Chairman of the Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia Capital Campaign.
The world-class museum, set to open in 2010, will bring to life the technological and sociological achievements of thousands of bomber plant employees and illustrate countless lessons in science, mathematics, engineering and critical thinking. The Marietta plant’s most noteworthy aircraft, including the B-29 Superfortress, the C-130 Hercules, the C-141 StarLifter, the C-5 Galaxy and the L-1329 JetStar will be displayed on the 15.5 acres leased to the museum at the corner of Atlanta Road and South Cobb Drive. Bob Ormsby, Aviation Museum President, and Alan Price, Capital Campaign Chairman, are leading the efforts of a number of local leaders to raise $12.5 million to build the 65,000 square foot facility. To date, over $1.5 million has been pledged to the campaign.
Mike Knowles brings nearly twenty years of banking experience to the effort to build the museum from his work with Wachovia Bank, Riverside Bank, Chattahoochee Bank, First Union National Bank and Citicorp. Mike earned a degree in finance from the University of Oklahoma in 1987 and a graduate diploma from the University of Colorado Graduate Banking School in 2001. He was Acworth Citizen of the year in 2006. Mike serves on the boards of directors of the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce, the Kennesaw Museum Foundation, and the Cobb County Convention & Visitors Bureau and is a member of the North Metro Technical College Board of Trustees. He and his wife Michelle have three children and attend St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Kennesaw.
GAS SOUTH DONATES $25,000 TO AVIATION MUSEUM
2007-06-12
Thanks to a strong commitment to education, Gas South made a generous contribution to the Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia recently. 
Kevin Greiner, Gas South President & CEO, and Sandy Miller, Gas South Senior Vice President & CFO, presented Aviation Museum Cobb Campaign Chair Gail Downing with a check for $25,000 at the museum office in Emerson Court.
NEW LEGISLATION AFFECTS 2006 & 2007 CHARITABLE IRA ROLLOVERS
2006-12-11
The Pension Protection Act of 2006, signed into law in August of 2006, is a comprehensive rewrite of pension laws that includes a key provision concerning IRA rollovers to charity. In brief, the IRA rollover provision allows otherwise taxable distributions of up to $100,000 during each taxable year from a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA to charity to be excluded from gross income. Additionally, the amount rolled over will count against a donor’s minimum required distribution. The rollover can be made during the donor’s lifetime. Note: These gifts are non-taxable, non-deductible and do not impact the charitable donation limitation.
•The donor must be 70 ½ years of age or older on the date of transfer.
•The donor must transfer the funds directly from the IRA to the Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia or another qualified charity (trustee to trustee transfer).
•Gifts cannot exceed $100,000 per taxpayer per year; and foundations or supporting organizations, charitable remainder trusts and charitable gift annuities do not qualify.
•Gifts can be used to fulfill an outstanding pledge, make a gift to a capital project, establish an endowed fund and/or make a donation to the Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia.
•This provision is effective until December 31, 2007, thus it applies to two tax years, 2006 and 2007. To enjoy the full benefit of this opportunity, transfers must be completed each year prior to December 31 of that year.
As with prior law, for donors between the ages of 59 ½ and 70 ½ , the Pension Protection Act offers an ancillary benefit; funds may not be distributed directly to a charity but can be withdrawn from an IRA or another retirement account and then donated to the charity without payment of 10% penalty for early withdrawal.
Before taking any such actions, you should consult your tax and or financial advisor about the best ways to take advantage of these new charitable giving opportunities. Individual circumstances differ, and state as well as federal tax laws may affect your plans.
The Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia has established an account at AG Edwards. For more information or to make a rollover donation to the Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia, contact:
LOCKHEED’S 48TH JETSTAR BECOMES AVIATION MUSEUM AT MARIETTA’S 1ST DISPLAY
2006-12-05
Museum volunteers’ spirits soared as two tractor trailers carrying a Lockheed JetStar turned onto the southwest corner of the Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia property just after 9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 7th. Board Member Dan Cox worked with a group of Lockheed retirees for ten months to bring the dash eight model aircraft back to Marietta. Jim Buttram, who worked at Lockheed for 35 years, initiated the search for an available JetStar and made contact with a willing donor in Addison, Texas. Michael Kornman, owner of 814K, LLC in Texas, donated the complete Lockheed JetStar-8 to the Museum.The Museum hired Greg Wilson and Aircraft Transport Specialties of Branson, Missouri to disassemble and transport the plane to Museum property, just a few hundred feet from where it was built in 1965. Of the 300 plus aircraft Greg Wilson has disassembled in his career, this was the 17th JetStar. Wilson’s other JetStar clients include Sean Connery, Kenny Rogers, and Shell Oil.A crew from Cobb EMC donated their time and the use of two cranes to offload the fuselage, wings, and tail section of the aircraft. Special thanks to Cobb EMC and the following crew members for their time and efforts: Mike Benton, Art Brady, Jake Camp, Chesley Clackum, Tony Pilgrim, Lester Taylor and Mike Williams.
Since the JetStar’s arrival, a team of dedicated volunteers reattached the wings, tail assembly, and engine nacelles. They have also reinstalled the tail cone, slipper tanks, flaps, and various pieces of fairing. Over the coming months, volunteers will continue cosmetic restoration of the aircraft by repainting the exterior, cleaning the instruments and control panels, and refurbishing the interior.
We wish to thank those individuals whose generous donations made the JetStar Restoration Project possible: Harris Bode, Jim Bridges, Clinton Carlile, Walter Clark, R.H Constien, Bernard Dvorscak, Jack Ferguson, Elbert Fields, John Gibson, T.L. “Whitey” Kleven, Nell Labanok, Lockheed Georgia Management Retirees Association, Bob Ormsby, Evelyn Powers, Paul Shirley, James Smith, Dares Wirt, and Dave Wright.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO OUR DONORS
2006-11-21
We Thank You for Your Continued Support..
Reza Abree
James Adams
Larry Adkins
Tom Alexander
William H. All
H.B. Allison
ATC Associates, Inc.
Chet Austin
Dean Baker
John Baker
Robert Baldwin
Bill Barber
Harold Barnett
Jack Barnette
Douglas Barron
Lou Ann Basham
Bill Bell
Ray Bell
Judith Bello
BellSouth
William Bennett
Bentley, Bentley & Bentley
Micky Blackwell
Harris Bode
Frank Boone
Thomas Bowen
Harold T. (Skip) Bowling
Bob Bowman
Don Braund
Dan & Carolyn Bridges
J. Clinton Bridges
Jim Bridges
Brent Brown
Dwight Brown
Louise Brown
Lisa Brown
Sarah Brown
Stacy Brown
Otis Brumby
Jim Bruns
Frank Butler
Jim Buttram
Clinton Carlile
Marshall Cavitt
Ann Chamberlain
Paul Chastain
Emory Chastain
Stephen Cheshier
J. Donald Childress
Peggy Christopher
Remer Clark
Walter Clark
Fredericka Cleveland
Cobb Chamber of Commerce
Cobb County Board of Commissioners
Cobb County Radio Control Modelers, Inc.
Cobb Electric Membership Corporation
Cobb Energy Management Corporation
Bill Coker
Richard Concilio
R.H. Constien
Consulting Aviation Services, Inc.
Joe Cornish
Dan Cox
E.C. Cranmer
Ray Crews
Harlon Crimm
Pat Curtis
Joseph Dabney
Joe Daniell
Elizabeth Davidson
Harold & Judith Davidson
Sterlyn Denney
The Development Authority of Cobb County
Meryl Dilcher
John Dolfis
Gail Downing
Patrick Dumas
Bernard Dvorscak
EAA Chapter No. 268, Inc.
East Cobb Lions Club
Frank Eck
W. H. Edwards
John Edwards
Bob Elliott
Don & Elizabeth Elrod
Robert Elsberry
Betty Emery
Pat Epps
Charlie Etheridge
Richard Evelyn
Ken Farrar
Ralph Farrar
Susan Ferguson
Jack Ferguson
Elbert Fields
Mark Garrett
Georgia Power Foundation, Inc.
The Georgian Club
John Gibson
W.H. & Myrna Gibson
Robert Gilson
Jeremiah Godfrey
Abraham Goldfarb
Jo Grosser
Ground FX Landscape Services
Eddie Gustafson
Gwinnett County DA's Office
M. Felton Hagood
Robert A. Hall
Rosalind Hansford
Herbert A. Hardin
Virginia Harper
Harriet Harris
Joan Hatton
Jean Hawkins
Jack Hayes
Robert Hays
Mack Henderson
Heritage Property Management Services
Sigurd Hoyer
Sarah H. Huddleston
William Hunter
Nancy Hurd
Mike Iacono
Ira Iburg
IEEE Atlanta Section
Pete Inglis
Conley Ingram
Chris Jackson
Charlie Jackson
Casey James
Rose James
George Johnson
Fred Keith
Kennesaw State University Foundation Inc
Stuart Kingma
Bill Kinney
Larry Kitchen
T.L. Whitey Kleven
Nell Labanok
Richard Lambert
Roy Lange
A.G. Lassiter
Deborah Lindsay
Lockheed Georgia Employees FCU
Lockheed Georgia Management Retirees
Robert Loewy
Maurice Long
Alex Lorch
Lost Mountain Golden K Kiwanis Club
John Lovell
Eric Lucas
Sandy Lyons
Marietta Board of Education
The Marietta Kiwanis Foundation
Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art
Blair Marks
William Marshall
Sherman Martin
Dan Mayfield
Joan Mayfield
Loyd McCall
Lee McCleskey
Eleta McCormick
Cliff McElvaney
C.P. (Phil) McElveen
Renza Meek
Clinton Merritt
Gwen C. Mickleboro
Harry C. Mickleboro, Jr.
Harold Mintz
Cecil Moncrief
Charles Monroe
Ed Montalvo
C.P. Moore
Sue Moore
Andrew Moore
Emmit Moore
Harold Moore
Frank Moore
Kathy Morgan
Steve Mottern
Robert Murphy
Alexander Murray
Paul Newman
Helen Nichols
Guy Northcutt
Justin B. O'Dell
Sam Olens
Donald Onthank
Robert Ormsby
Bill Paden
Jean Parker
Wade Pearce
Jim Pearson
William Perreault
Vern Peterson
Joseph Pirola
B.E. Pitt Pittman
Walter & Victoria Porter
Arnie Chic Postier
Evelyn Powers
Alan Price
Terry Pugh
Charlie Ray
Jean Reed
Reinicke Athens Inc.
Richard Reynolds
Jim Rhoden
Lee Rhyant
Don Robertson
William Rogers
J.D. Romine
A. McKoy Rose
Gene Rose
Lisa Rossbacher
S.A. White Oil Company, Inc.
Alyce Sarno
Celia Scarbrough
Milton Schreiber
Devan Seabaugh
Harold Shamblin
J.F. Shaw
Earlda L. Shettel
Paul Shirley
Ed Shockley
Coy Short
Gene Sidwell
Betty Siegel
Silver Wings - Atlanta Chapter
Roy Simmons
M.O. Skelton
James Smith
Keith B. Smith
Hugh Smith
Samuel Smith
Southern National Bank
Ted Stanfill
Steve Steinman
Dan Stephens
Winston Strickland
Phillip Sullivan
Alice Summerour
William & Carole Sutz
George Takis
R.W. Taylor
R.F. Thompson
Butch Thompson
Roger Timm
James Titus
Victor Trial
Joe Tulkoff
R. Steve (Thunder) Tumlin
Greg Turner
Fred Valz
D.W. Waddell
The Walker School
Letchwich Doc"" Watkins
Carl Weaver
Sandy White
Pat Whitehead
Robert Wilbur
Joe Williams
Cyril Williams
Maggie Willis
Jack Wilson
Gary L. Winter
Dares Wirt
Edward Wolf
Harold Wood
Wade Woodward
Dave Wright
Clinton Yard
Archie Yawn
Daniel Yeoman
Sunny Young
Young at Heart, Dunwoody Baptist Church
FOUNDING MEMBERS CONTRIBUTE $171,000
2006-10-20
The Founding Member Program of the Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia continues to receive outstanding support. Since the program’s creation in 2003, 155 Founding Members have joined the Aviation Museum, contributing a total of $171,000. In addition to individuals, couples, and families, Civic Clubs may now join the Aviation Museum as Founding Members. The following clubs have contributed to the Founding Member program: Cobb County Radio Control Modelers, Inc., EAA Chapter No. 268, Inc., East Cobb Lions Club, Lockheed Georgia Management Retirees Association, Marietta Kiwanis Foundation, and the Marietta Lost Mountain Golden K Kiwanis. Visit the Aviation Museum website for the complete list of our Founding Members. Contributions to the Founding Member program assist in the development of a comprehensive education program which will promote interest in math, science, and technology. Founding Members will be recognized in perpetuity on a commemorative plaque in the entranceway of the Museum once constructed. The $1000 contribution may be given in memory or in honor of a loved one and is payable in up to ten monthly installments by check, credit card, or electronic funds transfer. To reserve your individual plaque on the Founding Member wall, call (678) 797-0527 or visit the Support page.
FORMATION FLIGHT TEAM RENEWS PARTNERSHIP
2006-10-20
The Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia hosted members of the TigerFlight Foundation for a luncheon and signing ceremony on August 25th. Aviation Museum President Bob Ormsby and TigerFlight President Clint Johnson signed an updated partnership agreement, formally renewing a cooperative effort between the organizations to stimulate student interest in math, science, and technology.
TigerFlight has served as the Museum’s official Formation Flight Team since 2005. The Aviation Museum staff presented the TigerFlight pilots with a certificate of appreciation for their year of exceptional service.
Based at the Richard B. Russell Regional Airport in Rome, Georgia, the TigerFlight team includes six active pilots, four non-pilots, and three skilled formation flight coaches, and maintains four Ercoupe airplanes. By providing students with hands-on aviation experiences, TigerFlight emphasizes the practical applications of science and math.
On October 21st and 22nd, the Aviation Museum will host a booth with TigerFlight Foundation during the North Georgia Air Show at the Richard B. Russell Regional Airport in Rome, Georgia. The TigerFlight Formation Flight team will take to the skies as one of the featured aerobatic performers. 
Pictured left to right: (seated) Clint Johnson, Bob Ormsby, (standing) Phil Cataldo, Tom Calvanelli and Keith Walker
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN LEADERSHIP IN PLACE
2006-10-20
The Board of Directors of the Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia is proud to announce the appointment of Alan Price and Gail Downing to lead the multi-million dollar Capital Campaign.
Alan Price, who retired as chief pilot from Delta Air Lines in 2004, will serve as Chairman of the Capital Campaign.
Gail Downing, Cobb County Tax Commissioner, will head efforts in Cobb. Through the Cobb County Committee, the Museum will solicit financial support from individuals and small to mid-sized businesses.
Former Governor Roy Barnes has also joined the leadership team of the Aviation Museum. Governor Barnes has agreed to serve as the honorary chairman for the Museum’s Capital Campaign.
At the quarterly meeting of the Aviation Museum Board of Directors in June, Museum President Bob Ormsby announced his plans to personally donate fifty thousand dollars to the Museum project.
Bob presented a check for twenty five thousand dollars to Museum treasurer Frank Moore during the June 9th meeting. He will donate the second half of his pledge in January 2007. Bob’s donation will help fund the daily operations which support the Museum’s Capital Campaign goals. 
To date, over nine hundred and forty thousand dollars has been pledged in capital gifts including a half million dollar challenge grant from Cobb County payable when the Museum raises $2 million.
NEW LIMITED-TIME MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
2006-10-20
We are happy to announce two new opportunities for membership in the Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia. The C-5 Club is open to those contributing $500 or more and the C-130 Club is open to those who donate $130 or more. 
Members of the C-5 Club will receive an invitation for themselves and a guest to a Grand Opening Preview Event, two Aviation Museum lapel pins, two passes to the Museum*, a 25% discount off any regular membership price*, a subscription to In Plane Sight and will be listed on the C-5 Club Plaque in the Museum**.
C-130 Club Members will receive an invitation to a Grand Opening event, a membership certificate, a pass to the Museum*, a 10% discount off any regular membership price*, a newsletter subscription and will be listed on the C-130 Club Plaque**.
These limited-time memberships will close prior to the Grand Opening of the Aviation Museum in time to design and install club plaques. Memberships are payable in semi-annual, quarterly and monthly installments and are tax deductible.
To join either Club, please visit our website at mariettaairmuseum.org or call (678) 797-0527.
*Passes and coupons will be mailed at time of Museum Grand Opening projected for Fall 2009.
**Personalization of plaques is not available
FRANK BUTLER HIRED AS EDUCATION DIRECTOR
2006-10-20
Frank Butler will serve as the Education Director of the Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia beginning October 1st.
Dr. Butler is presently the Vice Chancellor for Academic Programs and Planning with the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and will retire at year-end.
He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Miami with concentrations in electrical engineering and physics.
Frank has published and presented over 50 scholarly works in the areas of physics, science and society, and higher education administration.
Frank believes whole-heartedly that this is a “tremendous opportunity to shape future scientists and engineers.” He continued, “ I am extremely excited to be involved with such an important project.”
The hiring of an Education Director was made possible through a three year grant from Cobb Electric Membership Corporation and Cobb Energy Management Corporation.
AVIATION MUSEUM COLLECTION CONTINUES TO GROW
2006-08-01
As development and fundraising efforts continue, the artifact collection of the Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia also continues to expand. Items donated so far include numerous books, publications, manuals, documents, prints, photographs, and slides related to both Lockheed Georgia history and aviation history in general. We have also received flight suits, a portion of the Berlin Wall, an original workbench from the Bell Bomber Plant, and an early 1920s propeller. To facilitate future research and planning for the museum’s archives and exhibits, we are currently working to label and catalog each item. Because storage space does remain limited, we ask that you wait to donate potential artifacts. If you are moving or plan to discard items, please contact the museum to make arrangements for donation.
READY FOR TAKEOFF EXHIBIT OPENS JULY 8TH AT ART MUSEUM
2006-08-01
The Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia has joined in collaboration with the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art and the Marietta Museum of History to present Ready for Takeoff, an exhibit presenting the story of Cobb County’s significant aviation heritage. Visitors will enjoy artwork, photographs and historical objects that reveal the rich history of Marietta’s aircraft plant and its positive impact on Cobb County and the region during World War II. The exhibition features the legendary aircraft of Marietta and commemorates the remarkable people who built and flew them. Ready for Takeoff gives visitors a preview of the artifacts and photographs that will be used to create an innovative learning experience at the Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia. This special exhibit opens July 8 at the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art and runs through September 16. The Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art is located at 30 Atlanta Street, Marietta, GA 30060. Don’t miss this great opportunity to revisit the days of the bomber plant.
FIVE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN DONOR SOCIETIES ESTABLISHED
2006-08-01
Donor societies have been established to recognize the gifts of major contributors to the Aviation Museum Capital Campaign. Society members will be perpetually recognized in a prominent location of the Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia. The societies are named in honor of the men who were instrumental in the establishment of the Marietta aircraft plant in the early 1940s. General Lucius Clay Society Membership $50,000 General Clay was the key figure in sending the Bell aircraft plant to Cobb County. He gained international fame as leader of the Berlin Airlift. Mayor Rip Blair Society Membership $25,000 Leon (Rip) Blair led the effort to establish Rickenbacker Field in Cobb County under the emergency airport program. He served as Marietta Mayor from 1938 to 1947. Jimmie Carmichael Society Membership $10,000 James Carmichael was the county attorney at the time the plant was established. He was one of the youngest persons to serve in the Georgia General Assembly when elected at age twenty-six. George McMillan Society Membership $5,000 George McMillan was a Cobb County Commissioner at the time the bomber plant was built. He was responsible for the first bond referendum to pave many of Cobb County’s roads and served as Cobb County Sheriff. Larry Bell Society Membership $2,500 Lawrence D. Bell was the president of the Bell Aircraft Corporation and a pioneer of the aviation industry.
LEADING DONORS AND IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS
2006-08-01
We greatly appreciate the financial support received from individuals, companies, organizations and government entities. The donors listed to the left gave generous contributions to AMMG’s development, operating costs, and/or the capital campaign. Listed below our leading donors are companies who have made significant contributions to the Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia by providing services and other support. Without the assistance of Cobb County and Lockheed Martin, the 50-year lease of the museum property from the Air Force would not have been possible. Special thanks to Dan Cox and the entire staff of the Marietta Museum of History for providing office space and valuable advice to the growing Aviation Museum staff. In-kind donors make the continued success of the Aviation Museum possible. We are very grateful for their commitment of support.
FIRST AIRCRAFT DEEDED TO AVIATION MUSEUM AT MARIETTA, GA
2006-08-01
The Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia is scheduled to receive its first aircraft, a JetStar, in mid-May. At present, the aircraft is located at an airfield in Addison, TX. Disassembly for shipment is set to begin in less than two weeks. The wings, tail, and engines will be removed before the aircraft departs Texas on its way to Marietta. The aircraft, donated by a Texas company, is a dash eight model. Workers at the Marietta plant produced 202 of these corporate jets between 1959 and 1980. The Aviation Museum’s JetStar is the 48th of its kind produced at the plant. Primarily used by corporate owners, the JetStar helped bring the field of business aviation into the “jet age.” Many of the Aviation Museum’s volunteers are anxious to begin restoration of the JetStar to ready it for display in the new museum. A fund has been created to cover the cost of shipment and restoration. If you would like to contribute to the JetStar Restoration Project, please mail checks marked “JetStar” to 358 Roswell Street, Suite 1110, Marietta, GA 30060. To contribute by credit card, please call 678) 797-0527.
AVIATION MUSEUM HEADQUARTERS MOVES TO EMERSON COURT
2006-08-01
The Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia offices have moved. On March 22nd, we left our home of two years at the Marietta Museum of History and moved to the Emerson Court Building on Roswell Street.
Our new headquarters includes a reception area, conference room, workroom, break room and three office spaces. Emerson Court is conveniently located one block east of the Cobb Central Library. Visitor parking is available in the west lot on Coryell Street.
We would like to thank the staff of the Marietta Museum of History for their hospitality and support.
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT ATTENDS THE SEMC’S JIMI 2006
2006-08-01
Stacy Simpson Brown, Aviation Museum Assistant to the President, was selected to participate in the Southeastern Museums Conference’s 2006 Jekyll Island Management Institute, which took place January 17-24th. Fourteen participants from museums and historic houses across nine states completed the intensive 8-day training. JIMI Faculty included Pete LaPaglia-CEO of LaPaglia & Associates, Ed Able-President & CEO of the American Association of Museums, Sharon Bennett-President of the Southeastern Museums Conference and Director of the Charleston Museum, and Jim Gardner Associate Curator of the Smithsonian Museum of American History. Session topics covered a wide range of issues including disaster preparedness, fundraising and grantsmanship, collections planning, exhibit design and fabrication, and media and public relations. According to Stacy, “JIMI provided a foundation of knowledge that will make me a more resourceful and effective museum professional and in turn will add to the success of the Aviation Museum.”
RETIREE GROUPS
2006-08-01
We need a better listing of Bell Bomber, Lockheed, Lockheed Georgia Company and Lockheed Martin retiree associations. We are aware of the following clubs: Lockheed Georgia Management Retirees Association (and the Ellijay Chapter) The Silver Wings The Fliars If you know of other groups, please email the name of the club, the name, number and email address of the contact person, and the meeting time and location to: info@mariettaairmuseum.org
COBB COMMISSIONERS APPROVE LAND LEASE
2006-08-01
Three years ago this month, a group of local leaders met at Southern National Bank and founded the Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia. On August 9, a week before the anniversary of the founding of the Museum, the Cobb Board of Commissioners voted to approve a lease agreement with the Air Force for fifteen and a half acres on the northwest corner of Dobbins Air Reserve Base to be the site of the Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia.
The property, located at the corner of South Cobb Drive and New Atlanta Road, will be leased to Cobb County for fifty years. The County will sub-lease the land to the Aviation Museum. All provisions of the lease to the county will be passed on to the Museum. Rent will be in the form of protection and maintenance of the premises for the duration of the lease. Phase one construction of the Museum must be complete within seven years of lease signing. Museum President Bob Ormsby anticipates groundbreaking to take place within 12 to 18 months of signing the lease and expects the Museum to open to the public by 2008.
“Mr. Ormsby deserves an awful lot of credit because he keeps stressing the educational roll of this museum.” Commission Chairman Sam Olens stated, “The County is honored to be working with him.”
Once the lease is signed, the Aviation Museum Board of Directors will launch a major fundraising effort. Over $200,000 has been raised for Museum development to date. County Commissioners have approved a challenge grant of $500,000 payable when two million dollars is raised from other sources.
“We are grateful for the strong support of Cobb County,” said Bob Ormsby. “Bob Ash with the Public Services Agency and Sam Olens with the Cobb Board of Commissioners have worked with the Air Force to develop an excellent lease agreement that will serve each of the entities well.”
BOB ORMSBY SPEAKS TO AREA KIWANIS CLUBS
2006-08-01
More than a dozen Kiwanis Clubs responded to a letter from former Georgia Kiwanis District Governor and Aviation Museum Board Member Bob Hayes recommending President Bob Ormsby as a program speaker.
Bob Ormsby has traveled to clubs across north Georgia sharing the goals and objectives of the Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia. In his presentation, he discusses the Museum’s two-part mission, which is to preserve and remember the history of the aircraft plant and to inspire and shape young minds by exciting an interest in science, math, technology and engineering.
The Kiwanis Club of Marietta contributed $2,500 to the Aviation Museum following a presentation last year. In May, Lost Mountain Golden K Kiwanis Club presented Bob Ormsby with a check for $2,500. Fourteen Lockheed retirees who are members of the Lost Mountain club were on hand at the meeting to be a part of the check presentation. Bob has visited the Kiwanis Clubs of Buckhead, Calhoun, Dalton, East Cobb, Fairfield Plantation-Villa Rica, Lost Mountain Golden K, Marietta, Metro Atlanta, Sandy Springs and Smyrna Golden K. We would like to thank Bob Hayes for helping to share the Aviation Museum vision with so many of his fellow Kiwanians.
RETIRED LOCKHEED CHAIRMAN & CEO GIVES $10,000
2006-08-01
Former Lockheed Georgia President Larry Kitchen and his wife Brenda recently donated $10,000 to the Aviation Museum. The contribution was made in honor and memory of Margarett Ormsby, wife of Museum President Bob Ormsby.
"Margarett was so very special, brilliant, wickedly funny and kind,” Brenda says. “I miss her so and I am thrilled that we can honor her in this small way."
Larry retired in 1988 as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Lockheed Corporation. He served as President of the Lockheed Georgia Company from 1971 to 1975, an especially critical time. Larry and Brenda currently reside in Westlake Village, California. Larry is a trustee of the California Museum Foundation, a member of the advisory board of Kendall Jackson wineries and is on the board of directors of the John Tracy Clinic for hearing impaired children.
The Kitchens’ contribution is the largest gift from an individual to date. We would like to thank Larry and Brenda for their contributions to the success of the Lockheed Corporation and to the success of the Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia.
TIGERFLIGHT BECOMES THE OFFICIAL FORMATION FLIGHT TEAM OF AMMG
2006-08-01
The Aviation Museum at Marietta, Georgia is proud to announce its partnership with TigerFlight Foundation of Rome, Georgia.
TigerFlight is a formation flight team based at Richard B. Russell Airport in Floyd County dedicated to “Leading the Young to the Dream of Flight.” TigerFlight facilities include a 5,000 sq. ft. hangar accessible to two 6,000-foot runways. The team is made up of two skilled formation flight coaches and four active pilots.
Over a thousand students have participated in TigerFlight’s education program this year. The TigerFlight team currently participates in an operational hands-on educational program for children and their accompanying adults through the Georgia Youth Science and Technology Center.
This program emphasizes science, math and technology through a hands-on aviation experience. Pilots Tom Calvanelli, Phil Cataldo, Keith Walker and Clint Johnson frequently take students for a flight in the TigerFlight twin-tail Ercoupes after a lesson on the ground.
Tiger-Flight pilots and crew are presently working to restore a C-47 with hopes of one day flying it alongside the Ercoupes to air shows and other events. TigerFlight Foundation is seeking volunteers to assist with educational activities as well as aircraft maintenance and restoration. For more information, visit www.tigerflightfoundation.org.
MUSEUM VOLUNTEERS GROW IN NUMBERS
2006-08-01
Over thirty dedicated individuals have committed to be Aviation Museum volunteers. Many of the volunteers are members of the Lockheed Georgia Management Retirees Association. The LGMRA has also supported the Aviation Museum by donating a color laser printer and a postage meter.
The Museum Volunteers have met on two separate occasions to bind the museum Case for Support. Each time, volunteers bound over one hundred copies of the document. The Case for Support is a twenty-five page full-color booklet that outlines the history of the plant and the purpose of the museum. It contains information about the Museum’s Education Program and highlights the goals of the capital campaign. We cannot carry out the fundraising goals without plenty of copies of this document on hand. And we wouldn’t have the copies we need without our dedicated volunteers.
Thanks to the following volunteers for their continued support: Lou Ann Basham, Jim & Alice Bridges, Roy Brumbelow, Ann Chamberlain, Walt Clark, Bernie Dvorscak, Bob Elliott, Lanny Frye, Jim Greenlee, Til Guarnieri, Eddie Gustafson, Bob Johnston, Whitey Kleven, Bud Lovell, Marleen Manley, Sherm Martin, Myra McElvany, Renza Meek, Emily and Ed Montalvo, Andy Moore, Bill Paden, Jean Parker, Jim Pennington, B.E. Pitman, Bob Pittman, Paul Shirley, Brian Stewart, Bob Wilbur, Wade Woodward, Archie Yawn.
AVIATION MUSEUM SPONSORS FIELD TRIP
2006-08-01
Students from North Springs High School Talented and Gifted Program recently participated in a fieldtrip sponsored by the Aviation Museum at Marietta, GeorgiaSM. Bob Ormsby, Museum President, and Stacy Brown, Development Coordinator, accompanied the students to the plant.
The group viewed a presentation about the Lockheed Martin corporation in the Executive Conference Room and then toured the F/A-22 and C-130 production lines.
Jeff Rhodes, Lockheed Martin Communications Specialist, led the students on the tour. He allowed students to hold aircraft parts and answered many questions fielded by the students.
SOUTHERN MUSEUM HOSTS AVIATION MUSEUM BOARD MEETING
2006-08-01
The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw graciously hosted the March meeting of the Aviation Museum Board of Directors.
Kennesaw Museum Foundation President Paul Chastain and Southern Museum Executive Director Jeff Drobney addressed the Directors at the start of the meeting. Paul Chastain welcomed the Directors and offered advice. Jeff Drobney discussed the challenges the Southern Museum faced in its development. Dr. Drobney made various suggestions regarding the building and façade and discussed issues relating to artifacts and collections.
When the meeting adjourned, Dr. Drobney led a group of Aviation Museum Board Members on a tour of the Southern Museum. During the tour, Jeff continued to offer valuable advice and recounted various experiences from the building and opening of the Southern Museum.
Our Directors were very grateful for the opportunity to learn from the experience of the leadership of the Southern Museum.
COBB COUNTY ASSISTS WITH LAND ACQUISITION
2006-08-01
The proposed location of the museum is on the northwest corner of Dobbins Air Reserve Base at the intersection of South Cobb Drive and New Atlanta Road. The land, owned by the Air Force and leased by Lockheed Martin, is surplus to the needs of both entities. It is easier and faster for a government entity to obtain property like this so the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, under the leadership of Chairman Sam Olens, submitted a formal application to lease the property from the Air Force. Once obtained by Cobb County, the land will be leased to the Aviation Museum for a nominal amount. This is typical of the strong support of the local community. The Board of Commissioners is also developing a challenge grant of a half million dollars to be paid when the museum has raised two million dollars from other sources. In September, Air Force Facilities completed preparations of the proposed lease and forwarded the documents to Air Force Headquarters for final approval. The Secretary of the Air Force granted approval of Cobb County’s application and officials from Wright Patterson Air Force Base surveyed the site on March 29th. img scr="images/aerial photo.jpg" alt="Land Plot for new Museum" /> According to Bob Ash, Director of Cobb County Public Service Agency, the survey should be complete by mid-April and the lease could be before the County Commission by June.
NEW NAME AND LOGO INTRODUCED
2006-08-01
The Board of Directors recently voted to change the name of the museum to Aviation Museum at Marietta, GeorgiaSM. .
The former name, Marietta Aeronautical Museum and Education Center, was considered too long by many supporters of the project.
The Advancement & Marketing Committee of the Board of Directors came up with the new name and also created a new slogan, Learning from the Past - Shaping the Future.
LEASE SIGNING CEREMONY HELD NOV 18TH
2006-06-15
The Cobb County Board of Commissioners and the Aviation Museum Board of Directors hosted a luncheon and lease signing ceremony on November 18th at Chattahoochee Technical College.
Representatives of the Air Force were on hand to witness Cobb Commission Chairman Sam Olens and Museum President Bob Ormsby sign the 50-year lease between Cobb County and AMMG for the 15.5 acres at the corner of South Cobb Drive and New Atlanta Road. Aviation Museum Board Member Coy Short emceed the event.
State Sen. John Wiles, state Reps. Steve Tumlin, Don Parsons and representatives from the offices of Georgia U.S. Sens. Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss attended. Speakers included Chattahoochee Technical College President Harlon Crimm, Major David Dick of the 22nd Air Force Reserve, Cobb Commissioner Annette Kesting, Cobb Commission Chairman Sam Olens and Museum President Bob Ormsby.
Maj. David Dick spoke on behalf of Maj. Gen. James Bankers and said, "They're going to put this right outside our gate, and we're extremely excited about it." He continued, "I for one am looking forward to seeing this completed."
