Gift Shop Rebuild
Tax deductible
The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome is a true “living” museum of antique aviation located in the historic town of Rhinebeck, New York. We present one of the largest collections of early aeroplanes in the world, as well as automobiles, motorcycles, early engines and memorabilia spanning the period from 1900-1939.
June - October each year, the Aerodrome turns back the hands of time and relives the early years of aviation with weekend air shows. The Aerodrome is a 501c3 non-profit foundation and your donation is tax deductible. Please visit our website, www.oldrhinebeck.org
On August 20, 2015 at approximately 4:50pm, a fire broke out in the Field Gift Shop and Model Museum on the property of the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome (ORA). The building was fully engulfed and completely destroyed. An Aerodrome employee noticed the presence of smoke and after investigating quickly called 911 to report the fire. Multiple local fire departments responded, but the fire progressed too rapidly to save any part of the structure or the items and valuables inside. No persons were injured in the fire.
Included in the loss is all gift shop merchandise; all of Cole Palen’s stick and tissue rubber band models in the model museum; fuselage fabric from Cole’s original SPAD 13 WWI fighter, as well as a piece of original SPAD fabric from the 95th Aero Squadron; computers, registers, and credit card readers; and vintage showcases, desks and drawer units from the gift shop.
Much of it is replaceable, a great deal is priceless and a huge loss. ORA is committed to rebuilding the structure and making it better, but the need for support and fundraising is greater than ever now.
The Aerodrome’s founder, Cole Palen, was no doubt one of the greatest optimists this earth has ever seen. His reply to adversity was one of “No problem!” and “We just have to keep moving straight ahead.” We adhere daily to this mantra and his principles of keeping the “old planes in the air” and presenting them in a traditional setting.
The gift shop, constructed originally in the early 1970’s, was a cornerstone of the Aerodrome experience. The Aerodrome looks forward to starting construction of the new and improved structure December 2015 to complete for the 2016 season opening. The structure will include improved retail space, integration of models, as well as a new bathroom facility that has been in planning stages for several years now.
The Aerodrome is still $100,000 short of its goal. The cost of environmentally friendly bathrooms and a well build structure put the cost of the project at $380,000.
To date ~$280,000 has been raised for the project, but we still need everyone's help. A loan has been taken out to start the project this winter. We will be providing updates on fundraising efforts and construction progress throughout the project on our website www.oldrhinebeck.org and our group facebook page.
Cole Palen's Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome has been part of both the local Hudson Valley & Aviation community for over 50 yrs. So many people have been inspired by Cole's passion for antique aviation and continue to come years later with their children and grandchildren to experience the thrill of the airshows and a unique way of experiencing history.
Thank you for taking the time to read our story. We really appreciate all the support that we have received and will very greatful for your support to get to our fundraising goal.
Thank you,
JoAnn DiGiacomio
Gift Shop Committee Chair
June - October each year, the Aerodrome turns back the hands of time and relives the early years of aviation with weekend air shows. The Aerodrome is a 501c3 non-profit foundation and your donation is tax deductible. Please visit our website, www.oldrhinebeck.org
On August 20, 2015 at approximately 4:50pm, a fire broke out in the Field Gift Shop and Model Museum on the property of the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome (ORA). The building was fully engulfed and completely destroyed. An Aerodrome employee noticed the presence of smoke and after investigating quickly called 911 to report the fire. Multiple local fire departments responded, but the fire progressed too rapidly to save any part of the structure or the items and valuables inside. No persons were injured in the fire.
Included in the loss is all gift shop merchandise; all of Cole Palen’s stick and tissue rubber band models in the model museum; fuselage fabric from Cole’s original SPAD 13 WWI fighter, as well as a piece of original SPAD fabric from the 95th Aero Squadron; computers, registers, and credit card readers; and vintage showcases, desks and drawer units from the gift shop.
Much of it is replaceable, a great deal is priceless and a huge loss. ORA is committed to rebuilding the structure and making it better, but the need for support and fundraising is greater than ever now. The Aerodrome’s founder, Cole Palen, was no doubt one of the greatest optimists this earth has ever seen. His reply to adversity was one of “No problem!” and “We just have to keep moving straight ahead.” We adhere daily to this mantra and his principles of keeping the “old planes in the air” and presenting them in a traditional setting.
The gift shop, constructed originally in the early 1970’s, was a cornerstone of the Aerodrome experience. The Aerodrome looks forward to starting construction of the new and improved structure December 2015 to complete for the 2016 season opening. The structure will include improved retail space, integration of models, as well as a new bathroom facility that has been in planning stages for several years now.
The Aerodrome is still $100,000 short of its goal. The cost of environmentally friendly bathrooms and a well build structure put the cost of the project at $380,000. To date ~$280,000 has been raised for the project, but we still need everyone's help. A loan has been taken out to start the project this winter. We will be providing updates on fundraising efforts and construction progress throughout the project on our website www.oldrhinebeck.org and our group facebook page.
Cole Palen's Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome has been part of both the local Hudson Valley & Aviation community for over 50 yrs. So many people have been inspired by Cole's passion for antique aviation and continue to come years later with their children and grandchildren to experience the thrill of the airshows and a unique way of experiencing history.
Thank you for taking the time to read our story. We really appreciate all the support that we have received and will very greatful for your support to get to our fundraising goal. Thank you,
JoAnn DiGiacomio
Gift Shop Committee Chair
Organizer
JoAnn Rolick DiGiacomio
Organizer
Rhinebeck, NY
Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.
