MAINE ATTRACTION

Air Classics, Aug 2004 by Auliard, Gilles

Such occasions, as well as the regular museum entrance fee (75,000 to 80,000 paying visitors annually), generates a steady stream of income. However, the summer car auction is the real moneyspinner for the OHTM, and for years has kept the balance sheet in the black. The last auction realized gross sales of $1,400,000. Of the 177 vehicles consigned for sale, 122 found new owners.

OHTM is not only a museum where aircraft are flown, regularly, it is also an educational center for younger generations. Every year a scale model event is held for children age twelve arid under, with a ride in the museum Stearman or Waco as the first prize. A nice incentive to do your very best. Also, agreements have been reached with some trade schools for their students to work in the restoration shop as part of their training. The museum also gives out grants to the most deserving students, in order for them to fulfill their transport-related projects.

Furthermore, Owls Head is a center of aeronautical knowledge and possesses one of the most extensive libraries of its kind. The Lang Library and Education Center is stacked with over 5000 books, a film and video library, living history tapes and manuscripts. This is complemented by the museum's shop which is well stocked with books, magazines, models, and gifts for young and old.

All of this would mean nothing without the 150 or so volunteers who help on a regular basis. The best day to visit the museum is on Thursday, dubbed "volunteer day," when the grounds arc bustling with activity. For the day-to-day operations, the OTHM relies on a small crew of a dozen employees, including Karl Erickson, the airplane conservator.

For more information: Owls Head Transportation Museum, PO Box 277, Owls Head, Maine 04854. Telephone: 207-594-4410, e-mail: info@ohtm.org, web site: www.ofitm.org.