$33,345 raised by 68 donors
95% complete
$35,000 Goal
We provide a variety of programs, including:
Our 2024 Need: Protect our North Texas Aviation Treasures!
Three years ago, we asked for your help in establishing an archive to preserve and protect the 112 years of our North Texas aviation heritage, and you came through for all.
With your gracious support, we established the Morris-Oestricher Archives, the most extensive repository of North Texas aviation artifacts and memorabilia in the State. It contains over 712 boxes of materials, 5,900+ cataloged archival items, 190 framed art pieces, 300+ posters, and over 470 Unframed Prints, all in a climate-controlled space and managed by a professional archivist. This doesn't include our collection of thirty-five warbirds.
We have successfully completed the initial organization of our materials and are making significant progress in cataloging a digital database.
Our long-term vision is to make our collection accessible to anyone, anywhere, electronically.
Our archive is where the stories of yesterday are waiting to come to life in our museum, our programs, and visiting researchers worldwide, as well as the generations of today and tomorrow.
For example, the U.S. Air Force's F-16 Viper Demo Team recently visited to explore our F-16 material. Upon seeing Phil Oestricher's helmet (see below), they immediately decided the design would be their demo pilot's helmet. We also helped them with the new 'YF' paint scheme on their demo jet, which is now appearing on air shows worldwide. Our/your archives made that possible.
US Air Force F-16 Viper Demo Team with Jim Hodgson at Edwards Air Force Base.
The Morris-Oestricher Archives has already preserved the collections of several Local people who contributed to the history of Aviation. With your help, we can share these stories with those who cannot visit the museum. (See examples below.)
Each artifact in our collection holds a unique tale, contributing to a rich tapestry of human experience. However, preserving these treasures and making them accessible to a global audience requires more than dedication—it demands action.
"Giving Wings to Youth and Community Through our Aviation Roots"
Our Vision:
At FWAM, we aim to embark on an ambitious project that will preserve our invaluable collection and transform how it is accessed and appreciated. Our plan includes:
1. Preservation of Artifacts: Many items are delicate and require professional conservation to ensure they remain intact for future generations. This involves climate control, careful handling, and restoration by experts.
2. Digitizing the Collection: We seek to create a comprehensive online database that allows anyone from anywhere to explore and learn about our collection. This digital catalog will feature high-resolution images, detailed descriptions, and historical context.
3. Enhanced Search Functionality: To maximize accessibility, we will develop an intuitive search function, enabling users to quickly find specific items or explore themes and categories that interest them.
How You Can Help:
Our goal for 2024 is to raise $35,000 to enhance our archives.
We invite you to be a part of this transformative project. Your donation will directly fund:
• Conservation efforts to protect and restore our collection, sealing the building and new metal doors with double pane insulated glass.
• Improve the indoor environment by purchasing air purifiers and dehumidifiers to more carefully control the environmental conditions in which our materials reside.
• Digitization equipment and software for creating the online archive by purchasing scanners to digitize some of our most requested collections and provide more access.
• Develop an online search function to make our collection user-friendly.
Some of these are intermediate steps to move our archives forward from where we are today as we move toward our long-term goals of access to all, anytime, from anywhere.
With your support, we can take the necessary actions to preserve our collections further. Your support this year could allow us to make improvements that will extend the life of our materials, enhancing our ability to continue keeping the stories of Fort Worth's aviation pioneers for decades to come.
Please consider joining this effort to preserve our cultural heritage and expand its reach. Your contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant impact.
Together, we can ensure that our museum's collection continues to educate, inspire, and connect people across the globe.
As a history, education, and preservation organization, we present our programs without restrictions regarding race, ethnicity, or gender orientation.
This year, we are asking for the support of a program to inspire at-risk youth in our community toward careers in aviation and aerospace.
In addition, we are asking for support for our aircraft restoration efforts.
Organization name
Fort Worth Aviation Museum
other names
OV-10 Bronco Associaiton, Inc.
Causes
Arts & Humanities
Operating Budget
$100,000 - $249,999
Counties Served
Tarrant
BIPOC Leadership
Neither/None
Equity Statement
Equity Statement
Address
3300 Ross Avenue PO BOx 161966