Illinois Aviation Museum Reopens With New Exhibits Amid Pandemic

BOLINGBROOK, IL — The Illinois Aviation Museum in Bolingbrook has once again opened its doors after its coronavirus-induced hiatus starting mid March. Melissa Infusino, administrative director of the museum said, they are "very excited to be open to the public again. We have been waiting for a while for this." Its official reopening day was July 4.

Infusino said there "was quite a bit that was unknown" after the governor's stay-at-home order went into effect in an attempt to quell the spread of COVID-19.

"We had to modify a current restoration project as we couldn’t allow volunteer groups in, but it gave our board members some opportunity to work on projects that needed to be completed," she said. "We also held our board meetings virtually."

Unlike other organizations, the museum did not have difficulties keeping it afloat. Apart from Infusino, the other members are volunteers and the museum is funded through donations and memberships. They are also affiliated with PSI to provide Federal Aviation Administration certification testing.

Since it reopened, Infusino said the museum has been attracting a steady flow of visitors and everyone is being required to follow social distancing guidelines.

"We are following all safety protocols," she said, "including enhanced sanitizing and cleaning, hand sanitizer stations throughout the museum and masks."

One of the museum's current restoration project is the Beechcraft C-45, which when completed, will be an interactive artifact that people can experience. Infusino said they will bring back several other programs — such as movie nights, STEM events for kids and FAA safety seminars — as the state moves ahead in its reopening phase.

"We also partner with several organizations including EAA, Civil Air Patrol, local kids clubs, and the Warbird Heritage Foundation. We are looking forward to welcoming them back when it is safe to do so, and we will also be doing tours by appointment when it is safe," she said.

The Bolingbrook community "has been wonderful, helping us with promoting the museum and brand awareness," Infusino said. She also said that the Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce came out and did a Facebook live when they reopened.

The museum is currently open every Saturday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.