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Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum
Rantoul, Illinois

General, History, Military

In light of the impending closure of Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois, Mayor Katy Podagrosi established the Air Museum Committee in 1989. She concluded: "A museum will not contribute to Rantoul's economic survival; it will contribute to Rantoul's cultural survival."

In 1991, The Air Museum Committee was charged with establishing a governing Foundation and acquiring the funding for a museum. A Board of Directors was formed, foundation by-laws were drafted, and tax-exempt status was granted. A museum director was hired in 1992 and historically significant artifacts were acquired to form the foundation of the museum's collections.

Chanute Air Force Base closed on September 30, 1993.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Oregon Museum Association 2024 Conference

September 8, 2024 - September 10, 2025

North Bend, Oregon

2025 California Association of Museums Conference

February 18 - 22, 2025

San Fransico, California

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