VANCOUVER, WA - As part of its historic preservation mission, the National Park Service at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site has announced the initiation of two major painting projects at the national park’s Pearson Air Museum & Jack Murdock Aviation Center.
Through these projects the exterior of the national park’s main Pearson Air Museum hangar facility will be repainted, along with the west façade of the air museum’s Historic Hangar.
Constructed in 1921 by the Spruce Production Corporation to house a US Army airplane for aerial forest fire patrols, the Historic Hangar was moved by the Army to its current location in 1925 for use by the Army’s 321st Observation Squadron.
These historic preservation painting projects will be performed by a contractor with National Park Service oversight, beginning the first week of September following the Labor Day holiday, and will be completed in time for the National Park Service’s annual free Campfires and Candlelight event at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site scheduled for Sept. 13, 2014.
“These projects have been on our radar for a few years, and is an important step in keeping our facilities in good condition for the community’s enjoyment for years to come," said Alex Patterson, Facility Manager at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
“The staff and volunteers at Pearson Air Museum are thrilled to see the hangars repainted. It will enliven and refresh the facility, giving an even greater pride of place as we interpret the rich aviation history of Pearson Airfield with the visiting public," said Bob Cromwell, Manager at Pearson Air Museum.
During this project the Pearson Air Museum and the Historic Hangar will remain open and free to the public while the painting contractor performs exterior painting activities. For information on reserving the Historic hangar or other venues at Pearson Air Museum for a special event, please contact the museum staff at 360-816-6232.
WHAT: Repainting of exterior of hangars at Pearson Air Museum & Jack Murdock Aviation Center
WHO: National Park Service at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site & a painting contractor
WHERE: Pearson Air Museum & Jack Murdock Aviation Center, 1115 East Fifth St., Vancouver, WA.
WHEN: Beginning the first week of September 2014, following the Labor Day holiday; finishing by Sept. 13, 2014.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
