The Loring Air Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history and artifacts related to Loring Air Force Base, located near Limestone, Maine. The museum focuses on the legacy of the base, particularly its role in national security during the Cold War era, with a special emphasis on the B-52G Stratofortress and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft that were stationed there.

History and Mission

The museum was established to maintain and display the many artifacts collected from Loring Air Force Base and to provide a space where the rich history of the base and the memories of those who served there could be preserved. It serves as a repository of historical materials relating to the military aviation heritage of the region, aiming to educate the public and commemorate the contributions of the personnel who served at the base.

Collections and Exhibits

The Loring Air Museum houses an extensive collection of photographs, memorabilia, and aircraft parts. Among its notable exhibits are pieces from Major Charles J. Loring, Jr.'s aircraft, a War hero whose plane was shot down in 1944 during World War II. The museum also preserves parts from aircraft such as the B-52 and KC-135, which played significant roles in the base’s operational history.

Facilities

Currently, the museum operates out of a 2,500-square-foot facility that contains thousands of historical items related to the Air Force activities at Loring. Volunteers have expressed interest in relocating to the historic arch hangar on the former base, a structure constructed between 1947 and 1949 and considered an engineering marvel due to its unique continuous concrete roof pour. Ownership of the hangar would enable the museum to better protect large aircraft exhibits indoors, particularly important given the harsh Maine winters. Efforts to designate this hangar as a historic monument have been previously initiated by museum volunteers.

Community and Preservation Efforts

The Loring Air Museum is staffed largely by volunteers who organize tours and educational programs for students and visitors, contributing to local historical education. The museum’s efforts focus not only on aircraft and military hardware but also on preserving the broader historical narrative of the Loring Air Force Base and its significance.

The museum stands as a testament to the military history of Northern Maine and provides a focal point for preserving and sharing the legacy of Loring Air Force Base and its personnel.