Watch CBS News

Future Of Museum At Willow Grove Naval Base Up In The Air

HORSHAM, Pa. (CBS) - As the military prepares to pull up stakes at the Willow Grove Naval Air Station later this year, the future of a non-profit aircraft museum on the grounds of the base is still up in the air.

The Delaware Valley Historical Aircraft Association operates the Wings of Freedom Museum which fronts the base on Route 611 in Horsham, Pa. The museum preserves pieces of aviation history and the non-profit, volunteer-run organization displays the aircraft surrounding the base.

Montgomery County is hoping to save the museum, including it in an application for land at the base. Commissioner Joe Hoeffel says it will become part of the park system if that application is approved.

"It will become officially part of our park system if our application is approved and then we will lease the land for a dollar a year to the museum association so those historic airplanes and artifacts can continue to be on display."

The museum is looking at different locations on the base property. Their current lease expires today. What's not clear yet is whether the Navy will extend that lease or force the Association to vacate the property, although the latter seems unlikely at this point.

Reported by Brad Segall, KYW Newsradio

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.