The Virginia Museum of Transportation will host a special “Wings Over Virginia” reception and luncheon at the Museum on March 23 featuring Vice Admiral Norbert R. Ryan, Jr., USN-Ret, president of the Military Officers Association of America, and Robert Reed, curator of the Piedmont Aviation Historical Society. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Museum’s new “Wings Over Virginia” aviation gallery which will recognize Virginia’s military and civilian aviators.
The Museum previously housed an aviation gallery which was destroyed by an intense storm that blew the roof off the building in 2006. Initial funding from the City of Roanoke and Roanoke County enabled the Museum to renovate the gallery space. Exhibit plans based on extensive public input are moving forward, focusing on the inspirational stories of Virginia’s pilots and aviation innovators, particularly those from this region. The gallery will also include exhibits on aviation technology and the science of flight.
“We are excited about the leadership in this community and across Virginia who are helping us form our new aviation gallery,” said Donald F. Moser, who is both a pilot and the Museum’s Deputy Director. “After more than a year of planning, the gallery’s design is beginning to capture the thrill of flight and the amazing stories of Virginia’s pilots. To fly represents a dream shared by so many of our visitors—and by visitors of all ages.”
The reception begins at 11am and the luncheon begins at noon. Tickets for the luncheon are $40 for a single ticket or $400 for a reserved table of eight. Tickets which include both the luncheon and reception are $250/Friend (admits up to three people); $500/Patron (admits four); and $1,000/Sponsor (admits up to eight). Seating is limited, and reservations are required by March 21. Buy tickets or make a donation online at www.VMT.org, or by calling Joan Baker Washburn at 540-293-1310.