Save Hangar B: Preserving a Historical Legend
The Mission
Hangar B is more than just a building; it is one of the world's largest wooden structures and a standing testament to WWII history. Following its sudden closure due to structural concerns, we are in a race against time to assess, protect, and ultimately restore this architectural marvel.
The Friends of Tillamook Air Museum (FOTAM), a 501(c)3 non-profit, is working tirelessly alongside the Port of Tillamook Bay to ensure that Hangar B doesn't just become a memory. We need your help to bridge the gap between emergency stabilization and long-term restoration.
The Situation: Where We Stand
How our team has already mobilized to protect the site and the history within it:
- Safe Evacuation: All tenants and artifacts are being systematically relocated to secure, weather-protected zones.
- High-Tech Assessment: We have completed professional LiDAR drone scanning (donated in part by Hawk Ridge Systems) to map every inch of the structure’s current state.
- Site Security: 1,500 feet of safety fencing has been installed to protect the site ($23,000 investment).
- Strategic Planning: Large-scale consultants are currently finalizing the scope of work for abatement and repair.
The Financial Reality
Transparency is our priority. Preservation on this scale is a massive undertaking. While we have submitted a $4 Million congressional ask through the offices of Senators Merkley and Wyden, those funds take time. Your donations today go toward the immediate "boots-on-the-ground" phases:
- Structural Assessment & Viability: $500K – $1M
- Immediate Damage Repair: $2M – $4M
- Full Restoration Goal: $300M
The Alternative? Demolition alone is estimated to cost between $50M and $70M. We believe those funds are better spent on preservation rather than destruction.
A Message from Leadership
The Port of Tillamook Bay and Air Museum leadership remain steadfast in our commitment to the recovery of Hangar B. Our highest priority remains the rigorous care and preservation of all artifacts and aircraft entrusted to our museum.
How You Can Help Today
1. Donate via GoFundMe: Every dollar goes directly toward the repair and future restoration of Hangar B.
2. Shop the Museum: Support us by purchasing from our online store at https://www.tillamookair.com/shop
3. Spread the Word: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @SaveHangarB and share this campaign with history buffs, pilots, and preservationists.
Mail-in Donations: C/O Friends of Tillamook Air Museum 6030 Hangar Rd. Tillamook, OR 97141
Thank you for helping us keep history standing. Together, we can Save Hangar B!