Greetings all,
I just completed a few phone conversations with the folks at the National Naval Aviation Museum. They are extremely excited to accept and display Rene Hieronymus's USS Sangamon model. The final step being a glass case is needed to properly display the model to the masses. I've been informed a few Sangamon veterans have contacted the Museum to offer donations as well. Wonderful news to hear indeed. Anyone here who is interested in donating to Rene's quest please feel free to do so as it will be greatly appreciated. This is not usually something I would be asking of anyone, but the cause outweighs my ego. lol
My role. I have offered Rene financial support to ship his model directly to the Museum and assist in his airfare to arrive at the Museum to re-assemble the model. I will also pick up any additional financial support needed to finalize the glass display case.
The Museum brass has informed me this morning that if they contract out the construction of the glass case, they are looking at over $16,000.00 to complete. If the Museum constructs the glass case "in house" the cost is more in the $6,000.00 range. Well I'm sure there's no real decision to be made there. My concern and interest is only to see that the glass case is appropriate for the safe and proper display of Rene's model. This WILL be done. You can count on that.
The Museum has informed me that anyone interested in donating towards the glass case involved for this project can do so under the typical 501c3 format. Capt. Ed Ellis (CAPT Ed Ellis, JAGC, USN (Ret.) of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation. His direct telephone number is 850-452-3604, x3229) would be pleased to hear from anyone interested in a donation towards the project. You may also contact me directly via e-mail as well if you have any questions or concerns. I'll be happy to walk you through the process.
As for Rene beginning the process of scheduling the shipment date and his travel arrangements? FULL SPEED AHEAD SIR!!! ... the museum is ready to accept both you and the ship at any time. They will be setting up a temporary display arrangement until the glass case is completed and ready for the Sangamon to be placed under it.
I will state this very clearly with a great amount of appreciation and gratitude towards anyone here or elsewhere who would be interested in donating funds to this fantastic project. Thank you very kindly from the veterans who are still with us, the families of veterans, supporters of the museum, myself and Rene Hieronymus (who I cannot say enough thanks to for the wonderful artwork he has created and his willingness to offer to display it at the National Naval Aviation Museum)
BTW I believe Rene is in the process of generating a kickstarter campaign and I will post the link here as well when this process starts to take place.
Thanks again to those of you who show an interested in this project.
Sincerely,
Mark A. Mansfield
mam121061@aol.com