Turner on NAHF Propeller

Statement

Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) released the following statement after Dayton Daily News reported the National Aviation Hall of Fame's (NAHF) intent to send its chief artifact, a wooden propeller signed by the Wright brothers, to a Colorado museum:

"The National Aviation Hall of Fame is struggling financially. Sending its chief artifact to another museum is certain to only worsen that problem. I became aware last year of the Hall's consideration of selling its artifacts and sent a cease and desist letter to them. As I said then, "no museum or enshrinement hall can maintain credibility if the collection of artifacts in its possession is seen as a possible revenue source.' The lawyer for NAHF called the signed Wright propeller "the only significant artifact owned by the National Aviation Hall of Fame,' when he assured me in February of last year that the Hall did not intend to sell its artifacts. Sending the Hall's "only significant artifact' from Ohio to be appraised is beyond concerning. The Blue Ribbon Panel I've established is working on its conclusions and I look forward to NAHF leadership coming to the table to talk about reasonable solutions about how it plans to work with our community to get back in good standing. Certainly sending its "only significant artifact' out of our community is not going to help."

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