BIHG NEWS
October 24, 2020: After the investment of many years of effort spent with the Park District creating a successful Feasibility Study for a 100% fund-raised, self-supporting NAS Glenview Museum and Ingenuity (STEAM) Center - which study was generously funded by supportive community residents, organizations and businesses - we are very saddened to report the Park District Board voted against the Development Agreement for the proposed facility. That agreement would have allowed BIHG and Hangar One Foundation to start fundraising for the new site. In the Oct 22nd meeting, the Park District also rescinded their 2016 resolution which had stated, in part, "should the feasibility study be funded and successful, it is also the District's intent to enter into an agreement with Hangar One Foundation..." We wish to sincerely thank all the individuals, organizations, businesses who donated so graciously to the Feasibility Study and to thank the financial, construction, education, museum and interactive learning experts who infused the study with their wisdom and guidance - and all did so for either a low or no fee. We are humbled and grateful for such community and industry support. We will continue to look for ways to create this facility - because it is so important that our community keep its promise to preserve the rich history of NASG and create educational opportunities for the next generation. THANK YOU!!
October 21, 2020:
URGENT REQUEST: WE JUST RECEIVED WORD OF A PUBLIC WRITE-IN OPTION FOR THE PARK DISTRICT VOTE ON THIS PROJECT TO TAKE PLACE ON THURSDAY, OCT. 22ND. Please share your support for the proposed Naval Air Station Museum and Ingenuity Center by sending your comments for a “Yes” vote by the Park District Board Members to approve the “Development Agreement” for the new museum and STEAM center, allowing the Glenview Hangar One Foundation to go forward with fundraising. The Development Agreement requires the Glenview Hangar One Foundation to raise all funding for the entire project and an endowment to cover 20 years plus of operational shortfall without any funding from the Park District or community tax payers. If complete funding is not achieved in five years, the project will be canceled with no further obligation for the Park District. Please share your comments and request for approval of the Development Agreement via the following link https://rb.gy/udmqsq by 11:00 am, Thursday, October 22, 2020. Give us the opportunity to fund this museum and learning center for the benefit of the community and beyond. You can also access the link for comments via the Glenview Park District website - by looking under the Park Board tab, then to Meetings/Agendas, and choosing Oct. 22nd agenda. THANK YOU!!
January, 2019 - February, 2020: BIHG and the Glenview Hangar One Foundation (GHOF) have continued to meet with the staff of the Glenview Park District (GPD) to address project details and cooperatively draft the Development Agreement, which we hope will come before the GPD and GHOF Boards for final vote soon. This agreement will outline the plan for moving forward to fundraise the new, proposed Naval Air Station Glenview Museum and Ingenuity Center! We are so excited to be at this stage and are so appreciative of all of the work that has been done by those in our community and beyond to bring us to this juncture. Please check back in as we hope to have more details on the status of the Development Agreement and its review by the GHOF and GPD boards in the near future. Thank you!!
August - December, 2018: The Feasibility Study for the proposed new NASG museum and learning center was presented by project lead consultant, Holabird & Root, to the museum committee of the Glenview Park District! This study outlines the proposal for an approx. 16,000sf facility in Gallery Park on land that was once the very heart of NASG. We are thrilled to note, based on this study, the Park District has decided to move forward with drafting an agreement with the Glenview Hangar One Foundation to outline the next steps towards the upcoming fundraising effort which we hope will make this facility a reality. We are so grateful to those whose donations funded the Feasibility Study: the Glenview Park Foundation, the Glenview-Northbrook Kiwanis, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, and many residents and other donors, including the Glen Oak Acres neighborhood! We look forward to sharing more details about the proposed facility in the near future. THANK YOU to all who have helped this effort get this this exciting milestone!!!!
August, 2018: A huge thanks to the Women's Philanthropic Exchange in Glenview for inviting GHOF and BIHG to speak about NASG history and to share information about the progress of our efforts at their August meeting. It was a fantastic conversation with some truly involved and dedicated members of our community, and we are thrilled to have made this connection! Also in August - more exciting connections - past and present! In August, historians at Taliesin in Spring Green, WI, confirmed that after WWII, Frank Lloyd Wright purchased trusses from the decommissioned USS Wolverine (which were used to support the landing deck) and used them as the main structural support at Taliesin's Visitors Center! Not far from the water's edge, the trusses span the undulating landscape and remain hard at work keeping the building "hovering" over the lush greenery fronting the Wisconsin River. We encourage all to visit the building and enjoy a beautiful view atop the trusses!
January-August, 2018: Planning continues with architecture firm, Holabird & Root, and the Glenview Park District on the feasibility study for the proposed new NAS Glenview museum and learning center. In April, a follow-up meeting was held with representatives of the Village and local school districts to present progress on the planning and to gain further input regarding the ways in which the new facility can meet the needs of area schools, teachers and students. Tremendous thanks to all who attended and shared their thoughts!
December, 2017: Big thanks to the Glenbrook South H.S. student newspaper, the Oracle, for doing a feature on NASG: "Teachers Reflect on Retired Glenview Air Station," in the December 22, 2017 issue! This article is a terrific example of today's youth connecting with their local history and building pride in the major contributions of NASG. Thanks to local historian Bev Dawson and GBS teachers, David Schoenwetter, Brandon Tucker and Rich Winship who shared their personal memories and insights about the importance of remembering this chapter of Glenview's history. Bravo Zulu (Well Done)!
November, 2017: On Nov. 8th at 7pm, Arclight Cinemas in Glenview (on the site of the former NAS Glenview) presented "A City At War: Chicago" a new film from John Davies and Brian Kallies which chronicles the efforts of Chicago during WWII! This screening raised funds for Glenview Hangar One Foundation and for the proposed new NASG Museum and Flight Academy! An enormous thank you goes out to Arclight Glenview Theater for once again supporting the effort to preserve the unique history of the site on which their facility is located!
October, 2017: Research and visioning workshops are underway with architecture firm, Holabird & Root, as a first step in the planning process for the proposed new NASG Museum & Flight Academy (NASGMFA)! Representatives of local school districts and the Village have met with Holabird & Root and the NASGMFA steering committee (which includes members of the Park District, Hangar One Foundation, Glenview History Center and BIHG) to share input and suggestions on ways the proposed learning center can compliment current curricula and create student opportunities for "out of the classroom" learning and problem solving. Tremendous thanks to all attendees for taking the time to meet with the committee and give their input!
September, 2017: The GBS Football Team honored local veterans and hosted a fundraiser for Glenview Hangar One Foundation at their home football game on September 8th! Enormous thanks go out to the GBS Football Players and Coaches, who met with the veterans over the summer and visited the museum on Lehigh. The team also hosted a luncheon for GHOF at GBS, during which students, coaches and veterans enjoyed pizza, viewed the GBS student documentary, "Wings Over Glenview," and celebrated the 95th birthday of Glenview's 2016 Citizen of the Year, NASG veteran, Col. Ace Realie. The team raised funds for GHOF through pre-event t-shirt sales and at the game. A HUGE THANK YOU TO GBS FOOTBALL!! And we had a new community event this year! The Park District's 1st Flying Feet Fun Run took off at Gallery Park on September 23rd, and included a GHOF/BIHG information booth. Thanks to the Park District for helping to connect the past with the present with this active, fun family event!
July-August, 2017: 8 firms responded to the RFP, submitting proposals to the Glenview Park District regarding the Feasibility Study for the proposed NASG Museum & Flight Academy. This was a fantastic response and we are extremely excited to see such enthusiasm from museum planning professionals across the country! On August 24, the Museum and Historical Preservation Committee of the Park District accepted the proposal from Holabird & Root and moved the matter forward for full Board review and consideration at the September 21 Board meeting! Our deep gratitude goes out to the Park District staff and Museum Committee for their hard work and dedication to this project and to countless other endeavors, which all serve to preserve and celebrate the unique history and legacy our community. Thank you to all who have showed your support and contributed to the milestones we are achieving!
June, 2017: We are thrilled to announce that the Glenview Park District has released its Request for Proposal (RFP) for Design/Engineering Consulting Services (Feasibility Study) relating to the proposed Naval Air Station Glenview Museum & Flight Academy! Submissions by interested parties are due by 4pm on July 10, 2017. Further information can be found on the Park District's homepage under the "Projects/Bids" tab.
January - April, 2017: Huge thanks go out to all the local service organizations and community groups which have given us the opportunity to meet with them over the past few months to share information about the effort, including Glenview-Northbrook Kiwanis, Glenview Rotary-Sunrise, the Glenview Values Project and the Northbrook Women's Philanthropic Educational Organization! We are excited to continue to make connections with such dedicated and engaged community members and to receive such warm welcomes and positive responses. Thank you!
January, 2017: GOAL MET!!!! We are thrilled to announce that Glenview Hangar One Foundation, with the support of BIHG, has raised the funds necessary to meet the FULL $40,000 PHASE 1 FUNDING GOAL!! Generous funding support came from the Glenview Park Foundation, Glenview-Northbrook Kiwanis, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, and many residents and other donors inside and outside of our community, including the Glen Oak Acres neighborhood. This a a tremendous showing of support for the proposed new NASG Museum & Flight Academy! The monies raised will fund the building feasibility study which will determine the size, scope and cost of the proposed museum and STEM learning center. Thank You to everyone who contributed to the effort to reach this critical milestone!! Please visit the "Contact Us & How to Help" page for a link to the GHOF website to make further donations to the project fund for the ongoing fundraising for the proposed new NASG MUSEUM & FLIGHT ACADEMY!!
December, 2016: "Heroes On Deck" - the 2016 documentary film about the WWII carrier pilot training program at NAS Glenview - was honored with 2 EMMY WINS at the Chicago/Midwest Regional Emmy Awards! Congratulations to the entire film team who, in such a compelling manner, captured and shared the story of NASG's incredible contribution to our WWII defense and victory. It seems a fitting month for such recognition, as we mark the 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Please help us keep NASG's history - and the stories of those who served - alive for the next generation. Visit the "Contact Us & How To Help" page for a link to the Glenview Hangar One Foundation website for online or mailed giving to the PHASE 1 fund. The $40K PHASE 1 campaign will fund a feasibilty study for a proposed permanent NASG museum & STEM learning center adjacent to the Park Center.
November, 2016: The PHASE 1 fundraising thermometer was displayed at the Park Center over Veterans' Day week and in the Senior Center during the week following Thanksgiving! Special thanks to all who donated to the fund and/or volunteered their time during this month of appreciation and rememberance, and to the Glenview Park District for supporting the displays at the Park Center. At the end of November, our funds-raised total for the "PHASE 1 $40K" funding campaign is . . . over $15,000!
October, 2016: Tremendous thanks go out to the Glen Oak Acres neighborhood who invited BIHG and GHOF to be a part of their fall Harvest Festival at Wagner Farm on October 2, 2016! We are so grateful to have been included in such a beloved annual event! The GOA community raised funds for the PHASE 1 effort through donations, a raffle and a bake sale at the event! As of mid-October, our funds-raised total for the PHASE 1 $40,000 funding campaign is over $8,000! Please visit our "Contact Us & How To Help" page for ideas of how you, your family, your neighborhood or your local business can be part of the effort to reach the PHASE 1 goal!
September, 2016: A terrific month for the effort! On September 22, 2016, the Board of Commissioners of the Glenview Park District passed a Resolution stating their intent to conduct a facility feasibility study for a site adjacent to the Park Center, once Glenview Hangar One Foundation and BIHG meet the goal of raising $40,000 for such purpose (PHASE 1 funding)! We are thrilled to have the opportunity to raise the funds and to work with GPD towards this next step in the planning of a potential new NASG museum and learning center! On September 24, 2016, the 3rd annual GPD Flight Fest soared in Gallery Park - with music, food, fun and educational activities for all ages! At Flight Fest, GHOF and BIHG kicked off the PHASE 1 fundraising drive and we are excited to announce that the PHASE 1 thermometer already has over $5,000 of "red" climbing up its tally board! Thanks to all who contributed to the success of the event and to the funding kick-off, including sponsors Indestructo Party Rentals, Berkshire Hathaway, and Windy City Flyers! PLEASE VISIT OUR "CONTACT US/HOW TO HELP" PAGE FOR A LINK TO THE GHOF WEBSITE IF YOU'D LIKE TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO THE PHASE 1 GOAL!
August 25, 2016: The Museum & Historic Preservation Committee of the Glenview Park District (GPD) passed a motion outlining the committee's intent to put a resolution before the full GPD Board of Commissioners to confirm the GPD's intent to study the feasibility of a NASG museum adjacent to the NW corner of Park Center (attached or unattached) in The Glen!! The committee will first require Glenview Hangar One Foundation, in partnership with BIHG, to raise the estimated $40K cost of the feasibility study before any contract is entered into by GPD for the study.
July 4th, 2016: Glenview neighborhood, Glen Oak Acres (GOA), did an amazing job of their phenomenal Glenview 4th of July Parade entry, "Life is Soaring in the Acres!" - winning top honors with the "Judges Pick" award! The stunning float paid tribute to NASG with a fantastic recreation of the historic Hangar One Tower, complete with circling airplanes, vintage photographs, area veterans and GOA residents - with the theme from "Top Gun" ringing out and adding excitement to the festivities! The parade, which kicked-off with a fly-over by a Coast Guard helicopter, also featured Glenview's Citizen of the Year, former NASG Marine Corp. CO "Ace" Realie! What a tremendous day! Thank you to all the veterans and the GOA residents who made the day such a great one for honoring NASG and the service of all of our men and women in uniform!
June, 2016: The JCC's Men's Group of Northbrook hosted a showing of "Wings Over Glenview," with members of BIHG and Glenview Hangar One Foundation there to answer questions. Thanks to the JCC's Men's Group of Northbrook for a wonderful event!
May, 2016: "Wings Over Glenview" Executive Producer and BIHG Board member Lisa Zimbler was a guest speaker at the Oral History Class of National Louis University - showing the film, answering questions and suggesting tips on how to present oral histories. Special thanks to NLU for offering this opportunity to share NASG history with their students!
May 22, 2016: Glenview Hangar One Foundation, with the assistance of Bring It Home Glenview, hosted a kick-off event for the new fundraising drive for a permanent NASG Museum and Flight Academy on former air station land - with the incredible local premiere of "Heroes On Deck!" We were thrilled to have the support of fantastic area sponsors who made the premiere possible: Autohaus on Edens and Northbrook Toyota, ArcLight Cinemas, The Glen Town Center, Kaminski Architects, Abt Electronics, Illinois Tool Works, Berkshire Hathaway, and the restaurants who joined in for the "Taste of The Glen" reception before the film: Ben & Jerrys, Curragh, Flight and Your Pie! Thanks to all who joined in for the sold-out event! The event raised more than $25,000 in sponsorships, donation and pledge dollars on the event night alone, with additional support still coming in! Great Kick-Off Event! Thank you!!!!
April, 2016: The Lake Forest Dickinson Hall Senior Men's Group held a showing of "Wings Over Glenview," along with a full Question and Answer panel. It was a terrific meeting attended by many of Lake Forest's veterans, and we greatly appreciate having had this great opportunity to share NASG history!
April, 2016: Bring It Home Glenview and Glenview Hangar One Foundation were thrilled to have the opportunity to speak about NASG history and the effort to preserve the history through the development of an educational museum, at a luncheon of the Glenview Noon Rotary. Thanks to this wonderful service group for giving us this opportunity to share our effort with their members!
November, 2015: "Wings Over Glenview" film documentary was shown at the North Shore Senior Center, followed by a question and answer panel of veterans and members of Glenview Hangar One Foundation, the Glenview History Center and BIHG! Approximately 200 people attended the showing and learned more about the incredible personal stories of service at NASG - many thanks to NSSC for hosting this fantastic event!
October 1, 2015: "Bring It Home Glenview" online petition completes it's open signature period. We received just shy of 1100 signatures from across the U.S. and from 8 foreign countries in support of a permanent NASG museum and learning center on former NASG land! Thank you to all who signed the petition and to those who added their words to our collective voice!
September, 2015: The Glenview Park District's second annual Flight Fest was held on Saturday, September 26, 2015! An awesome time was had by all on a beautiful day! Thanks to Blue Max Aces for bringing wonderful radio-control planes for the event, and to our student and parent volunteers, and to GHOF and GPD who all helped make the Glenview Aviation History and Activities Tent and display areas such a success!
July, 2015: BIHG Online Petition reaches its goal of 1,000 signatures!! Thank you to all who have expressed support for preserving NASG history, promoting STEM education and honoring the service of our veterans!
January-March, 2015: BIHG and the Glenview Hangar One Foundation engaged in numerous community outreach activities, including making presentations to the Glenview Park Foundation, to the Glenview Rotary - Sunrise, to the Glenview Lions Club, to the Museum Committee of the Board of Commissioners of the Glenview Park District, and to the members of the CORRKLNG Luncheon (the Glenview Chamber of Commerce, the Optimist Club of Glenview, the Glenview Rotary - Sunrise & Noon, the Kiwanis Club of Glenview-Northbrook, the Glenview Lions Club, the U.S. Navy League - Glenview Council, and the Glenview Women of Today). Thank you to all of the groups who have given us such incredible opportunities to share our effort and to all who have given us your very valuable, heartfelt support!
January-February, 2015: BIHG and the Glenview Park District presented a 3rd-5th grade GJFA session, "Glenview Aviation Adventure!" NASG Parachute Rigger Ed Marshall was our special guest, and brought with him an authentic NASG parachute, which Mr. Marshall and the Jr. Aviators rigged! Thank you, Mr. Marshall!
September 27, 2014: The Glenview Park District presented a new community event, Flight Fest, celebrating Glenview's aviation history and honoring the dedication of the men and women of our armed services! BIHG is thrilled to have co-hosted Flight Fest's Aviation History and Activities Tent with the Glenview Hangar One Foundation. Special thanks to our older Jr. Aviators for serving as GJFA Ambassadors at Flight Fest!
July, 2014: BIHG presented the third session of the Glenview Junior Flight Academy through the Glenview Park District's Kidz Zone summer camp! 1st-3rd graders had fun with hands on activities, crafts and experiments while learning about the forces of flight and Glenview's spectacular aviation history!
September, 2013 - February 2014: The Glenview Park District launched the Glenview Jr. Flight Academy! BIHG developed and implemented this new programming initiative for the Glenview Park District. The GJFA classes focus on local NASG history and STEM learning for 3rd-5th graders. The fall session kicked off with “The Lake Michigan Carriers," and was followed up by the winter session, "Biplanes, Wildcats and Jets!"
August 2013: The recently recovered NASG FM-2 Wildcat was on display at the EAA Airventure air show in Oshkosh, WI - drawing huge crowds! BIHG was thrilled to be there - helping to present the plane to the public.
February, 2013: Citizen Soldier - WTTW Ch. 11 - “Lake Michigan Carriers”: Channel 11 aired a wonderful program on NAS Glenview and the Lake Michigan Carriers, with a panel of experts including representatives from the National Naval Aviation Museum, A&T Recovery, and Glenview Hangar One Foundation - terrific and informative!
December 7, 2012: AN NASG PLANE WAS RAISED!! On Friday, December 7, 2012 (Pearl Harbor Day), an NASG plane, an FM-2 Wildcat, was raised out of the water in Waukegan Harbor, IL after almost 70 years on the bottom of Lake Michigan. It is our hope that we can bring this plane home to an NASG museum and learning center on former NASG land.
Fall 2012: Letters of support for the proposals of Bring It Home, Glenview were sent to the Village of Glenview by Glenbrook School District 225, Glenview School District 34 and The Glen Club. Thank you!!!!
November 12, 2012: BIHG, along with Glenview Hangar One Foundation and A&T Recovery, participated in a Veteran’s Day event at Abbott Labs in Waukegan, Illinois. Many thanks to the Abbott Labs veterans group for including us in such a wonderful celebration!
October 13, 2012: The "NASG Expo and Celebration" was held at Navy Park in The Glen by the Tower! Thanks to everyone who helped share the incredible history of NASG including Expo participants: Glenview Hangar One Foundation, historian Beverly Dawson and A&T Recovery.
August 31, 2012: BIHG submits a formal response to the Village of Glenview's Request for Proposal (RFP) for Parcel 24 at The Glen, asking that 3-5 acres be retained by the Village and set aside for a community owned NASG museum and learning center, consistent with the land's original civic purpose.
July 2012: “Bring It Home, Glenview!” online petition - up and running!
October 24, 2020: After the investment of many years of effort spent with the Park District creating a successful Feasibility Study for a 100% fund-raised, self-supporting NAS Glenview Museum and Ingenuity (STEAM) Center - which study was generously funded by supportive community residents, organizations and businesses - we are very saddened to report the Park District Board voted against the Development Agreement for the proposed facility. That agreement would have allowed BIHG and Hangar One Foundation to start fundraising for the new site. In the Oct 22nd meeting, the Park District also rescinded their 2016 resolution which had stated, in part, "should the feasibility study be funded and successful, it is also the District's intent to enter into an agreement with Hangar One Foundation..." We wish to sincerely thank all the individuals, organizations, businesses who donated so graciously to the Feasibility Study and to thank the financial, construction, education, museum and interactive learning experts who infused the study with their wisdom and guidance - and all did so for either a low or no fee. We are humbled and grateful for such community and industry support. We will continue to look for ways to create this facility - because it is so important that our community keep its promise to preserve the rich history of NASG and create educational opportunities for the next generation. THANK YOU!!
October 21, 2020:
URGENT REQUEST: WE JUST RECEIVED WORD OF A PUBLIC WRITE-IN OPTION FOR THE PARK DISTRICT VOTE ON THIS PROJECT TO TAKE PLACE ON THURSDAY, OCT. 22ND. Please share your support for the proposed Naval Air Station Museum and Ingenuity Center by sending your comments for a “Yes” vote by the Park District Board Members to approve the “Development Agreement” for the new museum and STEAM center, allowing the Glenview Hangar One Foundation to go forward with fundraising. The Development Agreement requires the Glenview Hangar One Foundation to raise all funding for the entire project and an endowment to cover 20 years plus of operational shortfall without any funding from the Park District or community tax payers. If complete funding is not achieved in five years, the project will be canceled with no further obligation for the Park District. Please share your comments and request for approval of the Development Agreement via the following link https://rb.gy/udmqsq by 11:00 am, Thursday, October 22, 2020. Give us the opportunity to fund this museum and learning center for the benefit of the community and beyond. You can also access the link for comments via the Glenview Park District website - by looking under the Park Board tab, then to Meetings/Agendas, and choosing Oct. 22nd agenda. THANK YOU!!
January, 2019 - February, 2020: BIHG and the Glenview Hangar One Foundation (GHOF) have continued to meet with the staff of the Glenview Park District (GPD) to address project details and cooperatively draft the Development Agreement, which we hope will come before the GPD and GHOF Boards for final vote soon. This agreement will outline the plan for moving forward to fundraise the new, proposed Naval Air Station Glenview Museum and Ingenuity Center! We are so excited to be at this stage and are so appreciative of all of the work that has been done by those in our community and beyond to bring us to this juncture. Please check back in as we hope to have more details on the status of the Development Agreement and its review by the GHOF and GPD boards in the near future. Thank you!!
August - December, 2018: The Feasibility Study for the proposed new NASG museum and learning center was presented by project lead consultant, Holabird & Root, to the museum committee of the Glenview Park District! This study outlines the proposal for an approx. 16,000sf facility in Gallery Park on land that was once the very heart of NASG. We are thrilled to note, based on this study, the Park District has decided to move forward with drafting an agreement with the Glenview Hangar One Foundation to outline the next steps towards the upcoming fundraising effort which we hope will make this facility a reality. We are so grateful to those whose donations funded the Feasibility Study: the Glenview Park Foundation, the Glenview-Northbrook Kiwanis, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, and many residents and other donors, including the Glen Oak Acres neighborhood! We look forward to sharing more details about the proposed facility in the near future. THANK YOU to all who have helped this effort get this this exciting milestone!!!!
August, 2018: A huge thanks to the Women's Philanthropic Exchange in Glenview for inviting GHOF and BIHG to speak about NASG history and to share information about the progress of our efforts at their August meeting. It was a fantastic conversation with some truly involved and dedicated members of our community, and we are thrilled to have made this connection! Also in August - more exciting connections - past and present! In August, historians at Taliesin in Spring Green, WI, confirmed that after WWII, Frank Lloyd Wright purchased trusses from the decommissioned USS Wolverine (which were used to support the landing deck) and used them as the main structural support at Taliesin's Visitors Center! Not far from the water's edge, the trusses span the undulating landscape and remain hard at work keeping the building "hovering" over the lush greenery fronting the Wisconsin River. We encourage all to visit the building and enjoy a beautiful view atop the trusses!
January-August, 2018: Planning continues with architecture firm, Holabird & Root, and the Glenview Park District on the feasibility study for the proposed new NAS Glenview museum and learning center. In April, a follow-up meeting was held with representatives of the Village and local school districts to present progress on the planning and to gain further input regarding the ways in which the new facility can meet the needs of area schools, teachers and students. Tremendous thanks to all who attended and shared their thoughts!
December, 2017: Big thanks to the Glenbrook South H.S. student newspaper, the Oracle, for doing a feature on NASG: "Teachers Reflect on Retired Glenview Air Station," in the December 22, 2017 issue! This article is a terrific example of today's youth connecting with their local history and building pride in the major contributions of NASG. Thanks to local historian Bev Dawson and GBS teachers, David Schoenwetter, Brandon Tucker and Rich Winship who shared their personal memories and insights about the importance of remembering this chapter of Glenview's history. Bravo Zulu (Well Done)!
November, 2017: On Nov. 8th at 7pm, Arclight Cinemas in Glenview (on the site of the former NAS Glenview) presented "A City At War: Chicago" a new film from John Davies and Brian Kallies which chronicles the efforts of Chicago during WWII! This screening raised funds for Glenview Hangar One Foundation and for the proposed new NASG Museum and Flight Academy! An enormous thank you goes out to Arclight Glenview Theater for once again supporting the effort to preserve the unique history of the site on which their facility is located!
October, 2017: Research and visioning workshops are underway with architecture firm, Holabird & Root, as a first step in the planning process for the proposed new NASG Museum & Flight Academy (NASGMFA)! Representatives of local school districts and the Village have met with Holabird & Root and the NASGMFA steering committee (which includes members of the Park District, Hangar One Foundation, Glenview History Center and BIHG) to share input and suggestions on ways the proposed learning center can compliment current curricula and create student opportunities for "out of the classroom" learning and problem solving. Tremendous thanks to all attendees for taking the time to meet with the committee and give their input!
September, 2017: The GBS Football Team honored local veterans and hosted a fundraiser for Glenview Hangar One Foundation at their home football game on September 8th! Enormous thanks go out to the GBS Football Players and Coaches, who met with the veterans over the summer and visited the museum on Lehigh. The team also hosted a luncheon for GHOF at GBS, during which students, coaches and veterans enjoyed pizza, viewed the GBS student documentary, "Wings Over Glenview," and celebrated the 95th birthday of Glenview's 2016 Citizen of the Year, NASG veteran, Col. Ace Realie. The team raised funds for GHOF through pre-event t-shirt sales and at the game. A HUGE THANK YOU TO GBS FOOTBALL!! And we had a new community event this year! The Park District's 1st Flying Feet Fun Run took off at Gallery Park on September 23rd, and included a GHOF/BIHG information booth. Thanks to the Park District for helping to connect the past with the present with this active, fun family event!
July-August, 2017: 8 firms responded to the RFP, submitting proposals to the Glenview Park District regarding the Feasibility Study for the proposed NASG Museum & Flight Academy. This was a fantastic response and we are extremely excited to see such enthusiasm from museum planning professionals across the country! On August 24, the Museum and Historical Preservation Committee of the Park District accepted the proposal from Holabird & Root and moved the matter forward for full Board review and consideration at the September 21 Board meeting! Our deep gratitude goes out to the Park District staff and Museum Committee for their hard work and dedication to this project and to countless other endeavors, which all serve to preserve and celebrate the unique history and legacy our community. Thank you to all who have showed your support and contributed to the milestones we are achieving!
June, 2017: We are thrilled to announce that the Glenview Park District has released its Request for Proposal (RFP) for Design/Engineering Consulting Services (Feasibility Study) relating to the proposed Naval Air Station Glenview Museum & Flight Academy! Submissions by interested parties are due by 4pm on July 10, 2017. Further information can be found on the Park District's homepage under the "Projects/Bids" tab.
January - April, 2017: Huge thanks go out to all the local service organizations and community groups which have given us the opportunity to meet with them over the past few months to share information about the effort, including Glenview-Northbrook Kiwanis, Glenview Rotary-Sunrise, the Glenview Values Project and the Northbrook Women's Philanthropic Educational Organization! We are excited to continue to make connections with such dedicated and engaged community members and to receive such warm welcomes and positive responses. Thank you!
January, 2017: GOAL MET!!!! We are thrilled to announce that Glenview Hangar One Foundation, with the support of BIHG, has raised the funds necessary to meet the FULL $40,000 PHASE 1 FUNDING GOAL!! Generous funding support came from the Glenview Park Foundation, Glenview-Northbrook Kiwanis, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, and many residents and other donors inside and outside of our community, including the Glen Oak Acres neighborhood. This a a tremendous showing of support for the proposed new NASG Museum & Flight Academy! The monies raised will fund the building feasibility study which will determine the size, scope and cost of the proposed museum and STEM learning center. Thank You to everyone who contributed to the effort to reach this critical milestone!! Please visit the "Contact Us & How to Help" page for a link to the GHOF website to make further donations to the project fund for the ongoing fundraising for the proposed new NASG MUSEUM & FLIGHT ACADEMY!!
December, 2016: "Heroes On Deck" - the 2016 documentary film about the WWII carrier pilot training program at NAS Glenview - was honored with 2 EMMY WINS at the Chicago/Midwest Regional Emmy Awards! Congratulations to the entire film team who, in such a compelling manner, captured and shared the story of NASG's incredible contribution to our WWII defense and victory. It seems a fitting month for such recognition, as we mark the 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Please help us keep NASG's history - and the stories of those who served - alive for the next generation. Visit the "Contact Us & How To Help" page for a link to the Glenview Hangar One Foundation website for online or mailed giving to the PHASE 1 fund. The $40K PHASE 1 campaign will fund a feasibilty study for a proposed permanent NASG museum & STEM learning center adjacent to the Park Center.
November, 2016: The PHASE 1 fundraising thermometer was displayed at the Park Center over Veterans' Day week and in the Senior Center during the week following Thanksgiving! Special thanks to all who donated to the fund and/or volunteered their time during this month of appreciation and rememberance, and to the Glenview Park District for supporting the displays at the Park Center. At the end of November, our funds-raised total for the "PHASE 1 $40K" funding campaign is . . . over $15,000!
October, 2016: Tremendous thanks go out to the Glen Oak Acres neighborhood who invited BIHG and GHOF to be a part of their fall Harvest Festival at Wagner Farm on October 2, 2016! We are so grateful to have been included in such a beloved annual event! The GOA community raised funds for the PHASE 1 effort through donations, a raffle and a bake sale at the event! As of mid-October, our funds-raised total for the PHASE 1 $40,000 funding campaign is over $8,000! Please visit our "Contact Us & How To Help" page for ideas of how you, your family, your neighborhood or your local business can be part of the effort to reach the PHASE 1 goal!
September, 2016: A terrific month for the effort! On September 22, 2016, the Board of Commissioners of the Glenview Park District passed a Resolution stating their intent to conduct a facility feasibility study for a site adjacent to the Park Center, once Glenview Hangar One Foundation and BIHG meet the goal of raising $40,000 for such purpose (PHASE 1 funding)! We are thrilled to have the opportunity to raise the funds and to work with GPD towards this next step in the planning of a potential new NASG museum and learning center! On September 24, 2016, the 3rd annual GPD Flight Fest soared in Gallery Park - with music, food, fun and educational activities for all ages! At Flight Fest, GHOF and BIHG kicked off the PHASE 1 fundraising drive and we are excited to announce that the PHASE 1 thermometer already has over $5,000 of "red" climbing up its tally board! Thanks to all who contributed to the success of the event and to the funding kick-off, including sponsors Indestructo Party Rentals, Berkshire Hathaway, and Windy City Flyers! PLEASE VISIT OUR "CONTACT US/HOW TO HELP" PAGE FOR A LINK TO THE GHOF WEBSITE IF YOU'D LIKE TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO THE PHASE 1 GOAL!
August 25, 2016: The Museum & Historic Preservation Committee of the Glenview Park District (GPD) passed a motion outlining the committee's intent to put a resolution before the full GPD Board of Commissioners to confirm the GPD's intent to study the feasibility of a NASG museum adjacent to the NW corner of Park Center (attached or unattached) in The Glen!! The committee will first require Glenview Hangar One Foundation, in partnership with BIHG, to raise the estimated $40K cost of the feasibility study before any contract is entered into by GPD for the study.
July 4th, 2016: Glenview neighborhood, Glen Oak Acres (GOA), did an amazing job of their phenomenal Glenview 4th of July Parade entry, "Life is Soaring in the Acres!" - winning top honors with the "Judges Pick" award! The stunning float paid tribute to NASG with a fantastic recreation of the historic Hangar One Tower, complete with circling airplanes, vintage photographs, area veterans and GOA residents - with the theme from "Top Gun" ringing out and adding excitement to the festivities! The parade, which kicked-off with a fly-over by a Coast Guard helicopter, also featured Glenview's Citizen of the Year, former NASG Marine Corp. CO "Ace" Realie! What a tremendous day! Thank you to all the veterans and the GOA residents who made the day such a great one for honoring NASG and the service of all of our men and women in uniform!
June, 2016: The JCC's Men's Group of Northbrook hosted a showing of "Wings Over Glenview," with members of BIHG and Glenview Hangar One Foundation there to answer questions. Thanks to the JCC's Men's Group of Northbrook for a wonderful event!
May, 2016: "Wings Over Glenview" Executive Producer and BIHG Board member Lisa Zimbler was a guest speaker at the Oral History Class of National Louis University - showing the film, answering questions and suggesting tips on how to present oral histories. Special thanks to NLU for offering this opportunity to share NASG history with their students!
May 22, 2016: Glenview Hangar One Foundation, with the assistance of Bring It Home Glenview, hosted a kick-off event for the new fundraising drive for a permanent NASG Museum and Flight Academy on former air station land - with the incredible local premiere of "Heroes On Deck!" We were thrilled to have the support of fantastic area sponsors who made the premiere possible: Autohaus on Edens and Northbrook Toyota, ArcLight Cinemas, The Glen Town Center, Kaminski Architects, Abt Electronics, Illinois Tool Works, Berkshire Hathaway, and the restaurants who joined in for the "Taste of The Glen" reception before the film: Ben & Jerrys, Curragh, Flight and Your Pie! Thanks to all who joined in for the sold-out event! The event raised more than $25,000 in sponsorships, donation and pledge dollars on the event night alone, with additional support still coming in! Great Kick-Off Event! Thank you!!!!
April, 2016: The Lake Forest Dickinson Hall Senior Men's Group held a showing of "Wings Over Glenview," along with a full Question and Answer panel. It was a terrific meeting attended by many of Lake Forest's veterans, and we greatly appreciate having had this great opportunity to share NASG history!
April, 2016: Bring It Home Glenview and Glenview Hangar One Foundation were thrilled to have the opportunity to speak about NASG history and the effort to preserve the history through the development of an educational museum, at a luncheon of the Glenview Noon Rotary. Thanks to this wonderful service group for giving us this opportunity to share our effort with their members!
November, 2015: "Wings Over Glenview" film documentary was shown at the North Shore Senior Center, followed by a question and answer panel of veterans and members of Glenview Hangar One Foundation, the Glenview History Center and BIHG! Approximately 200 people attended the showing and learned more about the incredible personal stories of service at NASG - many thanks to NSSC for hosting this fantastic event!
October 1, 2015: "Bring It Home Glenview" online petition completes it's open signature period. We received just shy of 1100 signatures from across the U.S. and from 8 foreign countries in support of a permanent NASG museum and learning center on former NASG land! Thank you to all who signed the petition and to those who added their words to our collective voice!
September, 2015: The Glenview Park District's second annual Flight Fest was held on Saturday, September 26, 2015! An awesome time was had by all on a beautiful day! Thanks to Blue Max Aces for bringing wonderful radio-control planes for the event, and to our student and parent volunteers, and to GHOF and GPD who all helped make the Glenview Aviation History and Activities Tent and display areas such a success!
July, 2015: BIHG Online Petition reaches its goal of 1,000 signatures!! Thank you to all who have expressed support for preserving NASG history, promoting STEM education and honoring the service of our veterans!
January-March, 2015: BIHG and the Glenview Hangar One Foundation engaged in numerous community outreach activities, including making presentations to the Glenview Park Foundation, to the Glenview Rotary - Sunrise, to the Glenview Lions Club, to the Museum Committee of the Board of Commissioners of the Glenview Park District, and to the members of the CORRKLNG Luncheon (the Glenview Chamber of Commerce, the Optimist Club of Glenview, the Glenview Rotary - Sunrise & Noon, the Kiwanis Club of Glenview-Northbrook, the Glenview Lions Club, the U.S. Navy League - Glenview Council, and the Glenview Women of Today). Thank you to all of the groups who have given us such incredible opportunities to share our effort and to all who have given us your very valuable, heartfelt support!
January-February, 2015: BIHG and the Glenview Park District presented a 3rd-5th grade GJFA session, "Glenview Aviation Adventure!" NASG Parachute Rigger Ed Marshall was our special guest, and brought with him an authentic NASG parachute, which Mr. Marshall and the Jr. Aviators rigged! Thank you, Mr. Marshall!
September 27, 2014: The Glenview Park District presented a new community event, Flight Fest, celebrating Glenview's aviation history and honoring the dedication of the men and women of our armed services! BIHG is thrilled to have co-hosted Flight Fest's Aviation History and Activities Tent with the Glenview Hangar One Foundation. Special thanks to our older Jr. Aviators for serving as GJFA Ambassadors at Flight Fest!
July, 2014: BIHG presented the third session of the Glenview Junior Flight Academy through the Glenview Park District's Kidz Zone summer camp! 1st-3rd graders had fun with hands on activities, crafts and experiments while learning about the forces of flight and Glenview's spectacular aviation history!
September, 2013 - February 2014: The Glenview Park District launched the Glenview Jr. Flight Academy! BIHG developed and implemented this new programming initiative for the Glenview Park District. The GJFA classes focus on local NASG history and STEM learning for 3rd-5th graders. The fall session kicked off with “The Lake Michigan Carriers," and was followed up by the winter session, "Biplanes, Wildcats and Jets!"
August 2013: The recently recovered NASG FM-2 Wildcat was on display at the EAA Airventure air show in Oshkosh, WI - drawing huge crowds! BIHG was thrilled to be there - helping to present the plane to the public.
February, 2013: Citizen Soldier - WTTW Ch. 11 - “Lake Michigan Carriers”: Channel 11 aired a wonderful program on NAS Glenview and the Lake Michigan Carriers, with a panel of experts including representatives from the National Naval Aviation Museum, A&T Recovery, and Glenview Hangar One Foundation - terrific and informative!
December 7, 2012: AN NASG PLANE WAS RAISED!! On Friday, December 7, 2012 (Pearl Harbor Day), an NASG plane, an FM-2 Wildcat, was raised out of the water in Waukegan Harbor, IL after almost 70 years on the bottom of Lake Michigan. It is our hope that we can bring this plane home to an NASG museum and learning center on former NASG land.
Fall 2012: Letters of support for the proposals of Bring It Home, Glenview were sent to the Village of Glenview by Glenbrook School District 225, Glenview School District 34 and The Glen Club. Thank you!!!!
November 12, 2012: BIHG, along with Glenview Hangar One Foundation and A&T Recovery, participated in a Veteran’s Day event at Abbott Labs in Waukegan, Illinois. Many thanks to the Abbott Labs veterans group for including us in such a wonderful celebration!
October 13, 2012: The "NASG Expo and Celebration" was held at Navy Park in The Glen by the Tower! Thanks to everyone who helped share the incredible history of NASG including Expo participants: Glenview Hangar One Foundation, historian Beverly Dawson and A&T Recovery.
August 31, 2012: BIHG submits a formal response to the Village of Glenview's Request for Proposal (RFP) for Parcel 24 at The Glen, asking that 3-5 acres be retained by the Village and set aside for a community owned NASG museum and learning center, consistent with the land's original civic purpose.
July 2012: “Bring It Home, Glenview!” online petition - up and running!