State of Aviation Museum's

[seabee1526]

With todays economy how are aviation museums doing? Are some doing great, while some are on the edge of folding? Which do you think are A)growing B)holding thier own C)in decline and why?

[Pat Carry]

I dont have any insider information in regards to this but I do know that here in Chicago,the Field Museum is laying off 10% of its staff because of the continuing bad economy. If a very large, world renowned institution like that is feeling the effects of the economy, then aviation museums have to be feeling it also. I also know membership at the NMUSAF is down over the past several years and the NASM is trying to find money to move equipment from Garber to the new restoration facility at Udvar Hazy. There was mention here a few weeks ago about some of the naval ship museums and how much trouble some of them are in. All the way around, its not good.