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Armstrong Air & Space Museum open under limited schedule

The Wapakoneta-based museum is preparing to celebrate the 51st anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission, forever immortalizing its commander and the museum's namesake.

WAPAKONETA, Ohio — Nearly 51 years after the first moon walk, Neil Armstrong's legacy is still celebrated in his hometown of Wapakoneta.

Opened in 1972, The Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta is a mere 1 hour and 20 minutes drive from the greater Toledo area.

Inside, the legacy of Wapak's greatest son, Neil Armstrong, is on display for all to see and remember.

But like many museums and educational destinations, it was hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. The lock down began right at the beginning of school field trip season.

"So we were very much impacted in the spring. All of those schools cancelled field trips to be determined for rescheduling, outreach and summer programs at libraries," said museum executive director Dante Centuori.

The museum reopened June 23, running on a reduced schedule.

Masks are recommended, social distancing is enforced through staggered group walk-throughs and markings on the ground keep foot traffic going one way.

Credit: WTOL
Social distancing and one-way traffic is implemented inside the museum.

They have also added hands-on activities for kids to help make the most out of the visit.

And, they also have been holding special hours to make sure their staff can stay on top of cleaning the museum space regularly.

"So we're open from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., then closed for an hour for cleaning. 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.; 3:30 to 5:30 p.m," explained Centuori.

The Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. slot is designated for people with medical conditions making them higher risk for coronavirus complications, so masks are mandatory.

All next week, the Armstrong Air & Space Museum will be holding special events to celebrate the 51st anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 mission.

Though the current pandemic will limit the full amount of events at this year's Summer Moon Festival, there are still many activities planned for people to enjoy.

Along with honoring Neil Armstrong, the museum also celebrates the American space program overall, including other astronauts from the Buckeye State.

Which could, hopefully, inspire the next generation of astronauts who visit.

"A lot of folks don't realize how many astronauts are from Ohio, maybe from the towns they're from. And you do see parents pointing out to kids, so "hey look they're from the next town over" or "that's your high school" or something like that." Centuori said.

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