National Center for Aeromodeling: Grand Opening
By Vince Mankowski
A milestone in the history of the Academy of Model Aeronautics was marked with Grand Opening ceremonies at the new multi-purpose facility in Reston, VA. The AMA officially opened the National Center for Aeromodeling on the weekend of September 24. It was a busy, happy three days, spiced with the sense of history in the making. Those of us who were there will never forget it; we wish you all could have come.
Friday: Picnic and Demonstration
Friday evening began with a picnic at the Marriott Hotel at Dulles Airport. Excitement began to build as AMA's friends arrived. A few AMA staffers gathered outside the Marriott near a lake to put on a flying demonstration; it eventually included a demonstration of water rescue techniques for model planes. Everyone enjoyed it, even the pilots.
Saturday: Dedication and Open House
Saturday saw the actual dedication ceremony. For a few hours before the dedication, VIP guests were conducted through the building for an advance look at displays. Outside, with refreshments, chairs, beautiful weather and the AMA blimp on display at 2:00 p.m., everyone settled down to hear a series of short speeches.
Mrs. McAvoy, Chuck Foreman, Frank Garcher, John Worth and John Alison cut the ribbon stretched across the entrance. John Grigg christened the building with the traditional bottle of champagne. They then trooped through the front door to see the center itself. Several hundred people signed the guest book after noon during the Open House.
Saturday Evening: Appreciation Dinner
Saturday evening an appreciation dinner was held at the Dulles Marriott. AMA President John Grigg introduced a series of speakers who outlined the history of the Academy, the birth of the Aeromodeling Center, and the direction ahead.
Speakers and highlights included:
- Hazel Sig-Hester and Frank Garcher on the importance of the Academy to the hobby industry and mutual support over the years.
- Johnny Clemens describing the concept of a permanent home for AMA—from early discussions in a hospital room in Dallas to the Grand Opening.
- Greetings from the Model Aircraft Association of Canada delivered by former president Frank Anderson.
The happy mood of the whole weekend came from the feeling of accomplishment that all of us felt. Every single member of the Academy can share that same sense of pride: the Aeromodeling Center was built by all of us, and it belongs to all of us.
Recognition and the Wall of Fame
All AMA members who were on the rolls at the start of 1983 are named on the Wall of Fame in the museum area for all to see. Members and friends who donated to the Building Fund are also enshrined throughout the building—from manufacturers with bronze plaques to the initial members of 1983. Everyone who participated in the birth of the Aeromodeling Center is represented.
Building Fund and Financial Goals
We are on the threshold of aeromodeling's future. It has been proven that our community can band together to accomplish a large goal. We have created a unique facility—the only one of its kind in the world. The plans and uses for this facility are limited only by the collective imagination of the aeromodeling community.
Our next goal is to pay off the project completely. We will begin a campaign of promotion and fund-raising with a goal of one million dollars over the next 10 years. A special mailing will be sent to clubs and the modeling industry at year's end. Members are encouraged to use the donation section of their dues renewal forms.
We will try to acknowledge every donation in a fitting manner—from a heartfelt thank you to a plaque on permanent display.
The importance of becoming debt-free cannot be overstated. Consider that each $100,000 raised will save AMA about $30,000 each year for the next 10 years. This saving could be better spent on direct services for AMA members. If we are truly successful, our dues structure can remain unchanged for many years; increases in other budget areas can be absorbed by the reduced budget necessary for mortgage payments.
Substantial progress has already been made. No dues increase has been required because of our new home. The response to the Building Fund was so outstanding that the debt previously budgeted for has already been significantly reduced. We can all take pride in our new home.
The National Center for Aeromodeling: A Working Facility
The National Center for Aeromodeling is open to all and is a resource of true national importance. AMA members now own an impressive structure staffed by trained professionals, featuring:
- A Hall of Fame
- An important museum
- A conference center
- A library
The future is being planned. The Center is a working facility, not just a house for offices. It will be developed by all of us to further the interests of modelers everywhere. Planned activities include lectures, meetings, seminars and film premieres.
Over the holidays, a traditional tree will appear in the museum. This tree will be different: the decorations will be sent from modelers and clubs all over the country, and each decoration will be a donation to the Building Fund. All members and clubs are encouraged to send a decoration and a check for the fund—the best Christmas present the Academy could have waiting on the hearth of its new home. Contact Vince Mankowski at AMA HQ for details.
Upcoming Events and How to Participate
Planned and suggested activities:
- A Swap Meet and Collectogether planned for early 1984.
- More special events and programs; information will appear as plans firm up.
- Ongoing fundraising via dues renewal forms and special mailings.
Plan to visit your new National Center for Aeromodeling. You will be thrilled to be a part of it.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
