After months without a home, the Niagara Aerospace Museum has landed a new location for its vast collection. The old passenger terminal at the Niagara Falls International Airport will soon house more than 100 years of local aviation history. The Museum recently entered into a lease with the NFTA to take over two-thirds of the building, giving the museum roughly 15,000 square feet of new display space.
Niagara County Legislature Chairman Bill Ross says there is no better location.
"This is the birthplace - western New York, Niagara County, Erie County - of the early aircraft industry. When Larry Bell came in here in 1935, for 40 years, Bell Aircraft reigned supreme," Ross said Friday.
Along with producing thousands of fighter planes during World War II, local manufacturers played a critical role in breaking the sound barrier the the moon landing.
"Being located on an airport opens the doors to new avenues and marketing opportunities. I plan on expanding our existing displays and adding new displays to the over 100 years of collections we have. This great location for the residents and tourists," said Museum curator Paul Faltyn.
The new location is expected to open in May. The museum is largely funded by private donors and the philanthropic community.