FLYING Magazine
The Tillamook Air Museum will soon be under the operational umbrella of the Vintage Aviation Museum, a Utah-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
On August 20, the Port of Tillamook Bay Commissioners approved a term sheet for the land lease and future sale of Tillamook’s historic World War II-era Hangar B with the understanding that the Vintage Aviation Museum will assume operation of the museum from the Port of Tillamook Bay and become its future owner.
The air museum is located in Oregon, west of Portland. During World War II, the facility housed blimps used for reconnaissance.
According to a statement from the Port, “An exciting new chapter is beginning for the museum. But one important thing will not change: we will continue to be the Tillamook Air Museum. Our identity is deeply connected to Tillamook, Naval Air Station Tillamook, historic Hangar B, and the people and stories that have shaped this remarkable place for more than eight decades. Preserving and sharing that history will remain at the heart of everything we do.”
The TAM shut down in December 2025 when the hangar was damaged by a windstorm. There is a 200-foot hole at the crown of the roof, and a large section of roofing was still tethered to the building for several months as Port officials debated what to do.
The museum has been closed to the public since the storm, as museum and Port officials had concerns about the structural integrity of the building. The wooden hangar is 192 feet high and 296 feet wide and spans 1,072 feet long. A few weeks ago the preparation for the repairs began.
The Vintage Aviation Museum plans to relocate most of its aircraft collection to Tillamook, bringing additional historic aircraft to Hangar B and expanding the museum’s aviation collection. Looking ahead, the vision is to utilize the entire historic blimp hangar for aviation-related exhibits, aircraft displays, preservation, education, and visitor experiences.
Work is already beginning behind the scenes to prepare the museum for reopening.
According to museum officials, “The future of historic Hangar B will remain a priority. Following the Museum’s reopening, efforts will continue toward the repair, restoration, and long-term preservation of this extraordinary piece of Oregon and American aviation history so that it can be preserved and enjoyed by visitors for generations to come. Operating as part of a nonprofit organization will provide greater flexibility to pursue new opportunities, partnerships, funding sources, and projects as the Museum moves forward. Visitors can expect us to keep pursuing ambitious projects exploring new ideas and creating opportunities that keep the Museum moving forward.”
Museum officials thanked the Port of Tillamook Bay, which has owned and operated the Tillamook Air Museum for more than a decade, saying, “We have enjoyed a strong and supportive relationship with the Port, and the Museum would not be what it is today without their trust, support, and belief in our mission. We are deeply grateful for everything they have done to help us grow and look forward to continuing that relationship into the future.”
The museum will continue working with the community to develop educational outreach programs with local schools and developing partnerships throughout the community.
The relationship with the Friends of the Tillamook Air Museum (FOTAM) will also continue, described as “an important part” of the museum’s future. FOTAM’s volunteers have provided continuous and tireless support to the museum and its mission, and are dedicated to its survival.
For those who would like to be part of this next chapter, contributions to the Vintage Aviation Museum can help support exhibit preparation, restoration, and other work associated with preparing the Tillamook Air Museum to once again welcome the public.