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.