Gallery of Aviation History Opens in Presque Isle

“So that we may honor the men and women who served at the Presque Isle Army Air Base and those who envisioned an educational purpose for this historic space.”

Those are the words that greet visitors to the new Gallery of Aviation History at Northern Maine Community College.

NMCC President Tim Crowley says the gallery at the Akeley Student Center features displays which tell the story of the beginning of aviation history in Presque Isle, the significant role the area played during World War II, and the transition from a military to an educational facility.

Bob Flewelling, a member of the P.I. Air Museum Committee, Sarah Akeley and Tim Crowley, Northern Maine Community College President, discuss the exhibit of Presque Isle’s history and the establishment of the College during the opening of the new Gallery of Aviation History.

Funding for this display was earmarked by philantrophist Mary Barton Akeley Smith and the Troutbeck Fund along with the NMCC Foundation. Collaboration with the Presque Isle Air Museum committee was instrumental in obtaining many of the artifacts for the gallery.

A portion of the gallery focuses on the history of Presque Isle and the early days of
Northern Maine Community College.

Larry Smith serves on the Air Museum committee and says Northern Maine Community College is able to highlight a number of the pieces the committee has not had room to display at the museum at the Northern Maine Regional Airport.

The new Gallery of Aviation History officially opened at Northern Maine Community College on Thursday, April 7. Randy Smith of the P.I. Air Museum Committee, Leigh Smith, Presque Isle City Councilor and Larry Clark of the Air Museum Committee study the history of Presque Isle’s Airfield which would play an integral part in WWII.

Kim Smith of the Presque Isle Historical Society says this exhibit is important because it gives a sense of history for this space - first a small airfield, then an essential military installation, then a college.

NMCC from the air

The public is invited to visit the gallery anytime during regular class hours by using the Smith Wellness Center entrance.

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