
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, July 11, 1990                   TAG: 9007110504
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B9   EDITION: EVENING 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Short

STATE MUSEUM GETS AVIATION COLLECTION

The Virginia Aeronautical Historical Society on Tuesday donated the Virginia Aviation Museum to the Science Museum of Virginia.

The aviation museum originated in Fredericksburg as the Shannon Air Museum, founded by air-enthusiast Sidney L. Shannon Jr., who died in 1981.

Ray Tyson, who engineered the arrangement which kept Shannon's prize collection of antique planes and memorabilia together after his death, said the acquisition by the Science Museum, a state agency, ensures the long-term survival of the air museum.

Paul H. Knappenberger Jr., director of the science museum, called the gift "a wonderful extension of our aerospace exhibition and an excellent connection to Virginia aircraft and memorabilia."

The aviation museum located near Richmond International Airport has been largely operated by volunteers.

The core of aircraft on display includes 14 historic planes collected and restored to flying condition by Shannon, as well as an extensive collection of aviation books, clothing and models.

by CNB