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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

Public Lands Alliance 2025 Convention and Trade Show

February 2 - 6, 2025

Las Vegas, Nevada

Georgia Association of Museums 2025 Conference

February 5 - 7, 2025

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Small Museum Association 41st Annual Conference 2025

February 17 - 19, 2025

Gaithersburg, Maryland

2025 California Association of Museums Conference

February 18 - 22, 2025

San Fransico, California

2025 Tennessee Association of Museums Conference: HOPE

March 11 - 14, 2025

Knoxville, Tennessee

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