From the President and Strategic Planning Committee Chair
"Recently, as the Museum was adding new projects and additional volunteers were coming on board, it was a significant time to ask the question 'How can the National Warplane Museum enhance its standing in promoting aviation history and also stay relevant to our community, members, and visitors?'"
W. Austin Wadsworth, President & Chair Strategic Planning Committee
For several months, our Strategic Plan Committee worked with our membership, staff, and board soliciting suggestions and opportunities for the Museum to explore for its future planning. This plan will help us move forward in a meaningful and focused way.
We are very much looking forward to the implementation and to celebrating our progress.
Strategic Goals
Six key areas of focus for 2025-2028
People
Strengthen core organizational capacities and efficiencies
- Increase the capacity of staff/volunteers/board
- Research and follow other museum organizations' best practices
- Develop and implement organizational structure
Space
Improve and expand museum facilities
- Build & upgrade facilities for future collection additions
- Create space for archival storage of collections not on display
- Develop professional displays and exhibits
- Enhance the overall visitor experience
Finances
Ensure long-term financial sustainability
- Increase museum membership base
- Focus on fundraising and grant seeking opportunities
- Further develop relationships with donors and sponsors
Education
Enhance contributions to aviation history education
- Implement Redbird Flight Simulator into museum offerings
- Collaborate with SUNY Geneseo for intern projects
- Offer public history educational programming
Aircraft & Flight Operations
Keep current aircraft flying and add missing links
- Support flight of the current aircraft fleet
- Prioritize and restore potentially airworthy museum aircraft
- Continue historic rides program
- Consider programs to train warbird pilots
Promotions
Strengthen brand, communications, and outreach
- Develop a new user-friendly website
- Continue to grow social media presence
- Initiate public outreach opportunities
Implementation Schedule
Key priorities and target dates for each strategic goal
Spring 2025 Priorities
- ✓ Finalize organizational matrix, designate positions and roles
- ✓ Assign interns from SUNY Geneseo to remote projects
- ✓ Finalize Redbird orientation and usage guidelines
- ✓ Keep 'Whiskey 7' and other airworthy aircraft flying
- ✓ Continue offering aircraft rides (Whiskey 7, L-16, Waco)
Summer 2025 Priorities
- ✓ Host donors and sponsors at Top Gun tent during airshow
- ✓ Use airshow to boost social media interaction and following
Fall 2025 Priorities
- ✓ Implement operating practices of CWH, NASM, etc.
- ✓ Work with Causewave Community Partners on fundraising standards
- ✓ Develop and launch the new website
- ✓ Host a lecture at local community organization
Winter 2025-2026
- ✓ Market museum memberships to local public and visitors
- ✓ Host membership boosting drive/campaign
Spring 2026
- ✓ Run volunteer recruitment campaign
- ✓ Complete weather proofing of t-hangar annex
- ✓ Launch professional displays and exhibits
- ✓ Initiate restoration of BT-13 and AT-6
- ✓ Launch warbird pilot ground and flight school
- ✓ Initiate public outreach opportunities
Spring 2027-2028
- ✓ Rehab t-hangar for climate controlled archival displays
- ✓ Build Aviation Education Gallery (multi-use display hangar facility)
Evaluation & Progress Tracking
Strategic Initiatives Tracking
A comprehensive spreadsheet tracks all museum initiatives, their actions, and statuses, shared within the museum's secure internal systems.
Bi-Weekly Board Meetings
Regular board meetings provide updates and support on strategic initiatives, ensuring consistent progress and collaboration.
Annual Evaluation
Annual board meetings and membership surveys provide comprehensive feedback on initiative effectiveness and direction for the following year.
Questions About Our Strategic Plan?
Our board and strategic planning committee are happy to discuss our vision for the future and how you can be part of our continued growth and success — please contact us.