By Elvira S. Chiccarelli, DDS, USAFR (Ret’d), Member Museum Foundation
The Eglin AFB Armament Museum building is now open as a welcome addition to the area’s attractions. Locals and visitors have been restricted to looking at outside aircraft since March where dedicated museum employees and volunteers, with the support of the AFAM Foundation, have been busy with outside tours while checking on visitors’ safety outside.
The museum director, David Fitzpatrick, orchestrated an extensive restoration project which includes updating the 28,000 square foot building with gleaming blue-gray epoxy floor paint. Numerous weapons and new exhibit information plaques have been cleaned and relocated either under the massive F-105 or inside up on the balcony which enhances the view of the newly wrapped and restored P-51 Redtail aircraft. Many outside aircraft have been cleaned and wrapped. One of the new museum exhibits, “Woman and Aviation,” is still in progress as funds are raised to complete it.
The museum follows the COVID-19 guidelines which include mandatory masks worn by everyone inside, social distancing, hand sanitizer stations, and no more than 45 people allowed in the museum at a time. STEMM programs are been planned and groups can reserve time for tours, retirements, etc. (limit 25).
The museum needs volunteers, both men and women, now more than ever to provide valuable educational programs community members of all ages as well as tourists. Volunteers are needed to sit behind plexi-glass protection and take non-contact temperatures and keep count of how many people are coming inside. Of course, tour guides for inside or outside tours are needed and informational cards are available. Tour guides enhance the donations that keep the museum vital. For more information or to obtain an application/information packet, please contact David Fitzpatrick, museum director, directly (882-4062) or email David.Fitzpatrick.7@US.Af.Mil.
