Pantagraph.com | News | Aviation museum founder Wingler resigns post

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Airshow volunteer wrote on Nov 20, 2006 4:26 PM:

" Curious Citizen, thanks for continuing to ask questions about the situation. Your questions are absolutely legitimate. Since I'm not a board member myself, though, I will defer to the board members to explain the situation and hope that they step forward to do so. "

Curious Citizen wrote on Nov 18, 2006 2:30 PM:

" To Airshow Volunteer: Thank you for contributing your time to such a great organization. However, could you please explain how 2 people on a board of 10 could ignore anyone's recommedations to the detriment of the organization? If your statement is correct, it is totally different than my understanding of how a board functions. Please let us all know how this is possible when the PAM board meets twice a month. By your comments its sounds like the other PAM board members are not doing their job. "

Airshow volunteer wrote on Nov 17, 2006 9:53 AM:

" Numerous people have praised the enormous energy and “day-in-day-out” work that Norm and Fran contributed to PAM/CLC over the years. Board members and other volunteers confirm this and give them credit for their vision and hard work. The unfortunate flip side of these two people doing so much work for PAM/CLC was that they wouldn’t let anyone else participate in any meaningful way. Other volunteers (including board members, who are volunteers) have valiantly attempted to contribute time, expertise in education and business, and sheer elbow grease for the betterment of PAM/CLC only to have their input ignored, to PAM/CLC’s detriment. This is no way to run an expanding, multifaceted organization. Current board members are people I know to be of great integrity, dedication, and humility. They place the well-being of PAM/CLC above any need for recognition or flattering titles and are probably too busy taking concrete actions to provide for PAM/CLC’s future to post their side of the story here. "

Lori Ann Ackerman wrote on Nov 16, 2006 12:39 PM:

" To Brad: These are not "grudges", but true facts that have taken place in the life of the Museum and Learning Center. The circumstances that lead to Norm and Fran's resignations are truly unfortunate and you cannot classify the new changes as happenings that have transpired from friendly beings on the Board of Directors. NO ONE can compare the hours that Norm dedicated to the Museum, CLC, or DC-3-NEVER did he complain or strike up a conversation in a negative tone about the time devoted to "marketing" the three. Yes, there are MANY others that have given their time on projects, but I am talking about day-in-day-out. I am sure that Norm does not want to see HIS dream die, but the course of HIS dream has taken a drastic detour. Those certain board members and flight directors will find out that the volunteers are the core to the organizations. "

Brad Zipprich wrote on Nov 15, 2006 12:52 AM:

" I've always been there to give Norm and Fran any support that I could give them, the museum has helped me through a rather hard year, and even with the changes I don't intend to leave it, I'm giving my support to better it, the smiles on the children learning new things is more important then any one or more individuals leaving us. Sometimes change happens and people aren't happy with it, I've gone through some major changes in my life that I wasn't happy with but that doesn't mean I give up on the changes. You grow and you learn from it. You can pick your side on this debate but since this is a volunteer organization that serves the public you must ask yourself if you want to see the museum grow or if you plan to hold onto grudges from the past. I myself want to see the museum/CLC grow and so I shall in any way I can. "

Brad Zipprich wrote on Nov 15, 2006 12:51 AM:

" You know I have been looking at these posts every few days and felt the need to reply. Sure there have been good things and bad things posted about Norm and Fran. I spend almost all of my spare time working on something at for the Museum/CLC. Even though I don't spend every day there I do spend most off my off time working on something and most of that is not done at the buildings. There are plenty of others at the Museum/CLC that volunteer as much if not more time that I do, since we are not in a position of authority then we are not noticed as much to outsiders. The museum is not going to die and the dream sure has not ended. One of the best things that has happened to me is the arrival of a aircraft that I used to work on, the F-14 Tomcat. "

A fly in wrote on Nov 14, 2006 9:15 PM:

" From Texas,Oregonand Arlington Hts.,Il. Given a tour by Norm Wingler. We are sadden by the story we read. How a dream came to the end . "

Lori Ann Ackerman wrote on Nov 13, 2006 10:16 PM:

" To "Someone Who Knows"-you sure don't know much! Maybe you should get your facts and figures together before commenting and sounding jealous. Norm Wingler had a dream and it became a reality and no one can take that accomplishment away from him! Norm was a well respected President and treated everyone with fairness. There will NEVER be a more devoted and giving leader of Prairie Aviation Museum. It will not be the same without seeing Norm Wingler and Fran Romine, as they will be greatly missed at the Museum and Learning Center. Those that thought it would be a better world without them, let's see how you handle the job! Good luck, because you will need about 10 people to fill their shoes! "

Ridge Lee Ackerman wrote on Nov 13, 2006 9:42 PM:

" I am proud to say that Norm Wingler is my grandfather!! He inspires me and is a GREAT person! He always thought of the Museum volunteers as "family" and respected those he worked with. It is DISGUSTING for people to be so rude to someone who gave their heart and soul to the Museum, Learning Center, and the DC-3. The negative people who made nasty comments were not around to see all of the hours and hours that were spent on Museum business. Let's see you do a better job-IT CAN'T BE DONE!!! At least I am proud of my words and can stand behind what I say and can sign my name!! "

Curious Citizen wrote on Nov 11, 2006 11:49 PM:

" To someone who knows: I read through all the comments, and if you saw such wrong doing I would hope your concerns were made known and documented publicly in board meeting notes or via letters to PAM members to inform them of your concerns. I also assume by you saying "Mr. Wingler protests too much" that you have actual facts to dispute the information Mr. Wingler cited from Pantagraph archives in rebuttal to other misguided comments in this blog. Please enlighten the rest of us with facts and your extensive knowledge of PAM's history instead of useless backstabbing and insults. "

Someone Who Knows wrote on Nov 11, 2006 6:51 PM:

" Norman.....methinks you doth protest too much!! "

Norm Wingler wrote on Nov 10, 2006 6:50 PM:

" As President, I made a management decision to question a safety issue in regards to insurance risk considerations for a Museum/Challenger Learning Center program that had been offered to the public. At a Board meeting Nov. 6, certain members condemned and criticized me for taking this action. One new Director demanded that I apologize. My background as retired military, retired State Farm management, and 25 years in the museum business influenced me to stand by my decision. Considering the negative attitudes toward me in this and past meetings, I took one step forward and resigned. Negatives toward Fran have also been evident and with her agreeing with me, she resigned. "

Norm Wingler wrote on Nov 10, 2006 6:49 PM:

" As to Founder and dates, read the May 9, 1982 issue of The Pantagraph. Reporter June Wagley writes about Norman Wingler coordinating a new organization to get people involved firsthand with airplanes from the past. Interested parties were to call me (Norman Wingler) at either of two phone numbers. I filed the Illinois Not for Profit corporation papers as a 1981 chapter of a Springfield 501(c)3 organization. Bill Baird, John Percy, Paul Baker, and Norm Wingler became the volunteer officer structure. In my contact position with headquarters, I recognized, in 1983, their financial problem that could be negative on us. I recommended that we sever relations. I personally filed the papers for a 1983 name change with the State, filed with the IRS for 501(c)3 status, with the former names continuing as officers creating the first version of bylaws. The Museum picture identifies the 1983 officers, beginning officers, founding officers. The Pantagraph article followed my planning discussions over several prior months. "

Norm Wingler wrote on Nov 10, 2006 6:02 PM:

" I have just reviewed 25 years, yes 25 years, of newspaper articles documenting hundreds of volunteer names, pictures of people and planes, stories of gladness, and stories of sadness that tell the history and growth of PAM and its objectives. These 25 years of evidence proves there are more people than Norm and Fran. Those who think the untruth of “just Norm and Fran” should call me and I will show you the facts. When Fran and I began recruiting working volunteers, we recognized that each will give only what he or she can. We would not expect more, but manage and give thanks for what is given. "

An Out of State Friend wrote on Nov 10, 2006 5:49 PM:

" I have been blessed to get to know Norm Wingler and Fran Romine and their work at the Prairie Aviation Museum and the Challenger Learning Center. From my experience with them, it was clear that they had a great vision for the future of the organization and the love and determination required to make it happen. Despite claims to the contrary, replacing Norm and Fran will be nearly impossible, and I doubt the museum or the learning center will be nearly as successful with their most two dedicated workhorses gone. What a sad day for the Bloomington community. "

50,000 visitors? wrote on Nov 10, 2006 3:52 PM:

" 50,000 visitors annually would work out to ALMOST 137 visitors daily. Every day, not just weekdays and such. I do drive by there frequently and quite frankly, I don't see that many cars there very often. I'm having a tough time buying off on that. Sounds more like Mr. Wingler got his nose out of joint, and decided to pick up his toys and go home. "

Check Your Numbers, Please? wrote on Nov 10, 2006 2:50 PM:

" According to the story and Ms. Romine, the organization started in 1981 ... yet their own website homepage indicates: "The Prairie Aviation Museum, an Illinois not-for-profit corporation, was formed in 1983. The following year, the Museum was certified as an educational organization by the Federal Government under section 501 (C)(3) of the IRS Code." Over 25 years? That seems like fuzzy math. I also question the 50,000 visitors per year ... did anyone else *gulp* at this number?? Let's get our facts straight ... or at least cite our sources! "

happy wrote on Nov 10, 2006 1:15 PM:

" Every npn-profit organization needs new leadership on a regular basis. Unfortunately Norm wingler did not have the sense to realize he had out lived his usefullness. He should have left 5 years ago. There are sereral board members capable of leading PAM in a positive direction. The development of the Challenger Learning Center is the most significant accomplishment of the PAM. "

Sad News but still hopeful wrote on Nov 10, 2006 1:03 PM:

" Though I am not a volunteer at the museum I have been to a number of event's hosted there. My kids love the Open Cockpit days and we go to every one. Though I understand that Mr. Wingler was very instramental in overseeing the museum I always felt that the volunteers have been the lifeblood of the organization. Without them you would not have some of the most well taken care of aircraft that I have seen in a museum. Every member I have meet has been helpful, full of knowledge and more then willthing to answer any questions someone might have. Even with Mr. Wingler and Mrs Romine gone I know that the volunteers that put all their spare time and effort into the museum will keep it going and growing. Keep up the good work volunteers we will be out to see you soon! "

Fran wrote on Nov 10, 2006 10:08 AM:

" My resignation as Vice President of Prairie Aviation Museum was not "in sympathy" but in agreement with Norm's position. Norm Wingler was "the founder" and asked John Percy, Paul Baker and Bill Baird to be officers of the board. He was the person who asked the current board members to be on the board in realization that we all need to replace ourselves. His leadership is what has sustained Prairie Aviation Museum. We both wish the Museum success in the future and will miss the many volunteers and members with whom we have worked with over the past 25 years. This chapter of our lives is completed and are looking forward to writing the next. "

Someone Who Knows wrote on Nov 10, 2006 9:48 AM:

" In my many years of involvement in the Prairie Aviation Museum I fully understand the need for Mr. wingler and Ms. Romine to move on. It's true that Mr. Wingler had a had a hand in the founding of this organization but let's not overlook the fact that he was backed up by hundreds of volunteers and supporters. This organization had become an autocracy firmly controlled by the Wingler/Romine faction. For many years the board of the museum was comprised of hand picked individuals who would support without question anything this duo did or proposed to do. I am personally aware of many decisions that would seem foolhardy to anyone on the outside. Thankfully we have apparently been blessed with some new board members who could see through the fog and override the egos of the Wingler/Romine confederation. It is my hope that the museum can now reach its true potential by not being held back by short sighted egotistical management. If this would have happened years ago when it should have, the Prairie Aviaton Museum could have been the first class attraction we have all been hoping for. "

Question wrote on Nov 10, 2006 9:09 AM:

" From what I know there are 4 founders for the museum. With Norm stating that he is the founder without acknowledging the others founders that sure does tell me something. "

MajorH wrote on Nov 10, 2006 8:24 AM:

" Norm was not the founder of the PAM. The fact that he makes the sole claim to this event should tell you something. "

Ezra Adams wrote on Nov 10, 2006 8:21 AM:

" The fact that there was no plan for a successor ever considered is a telling statement. Experience is not a rubber stamp for Kingship. Perhaps a fresh start is needed here. If the true potential of the PPM and the CLC are realized by people of vision, this will be a great day, indeed. "

what great posts I have read here wrote on Nov 10, 2006 7:56 AM:

" The truth will come out here...Norm and Fran have truly served here and I extend my thanks to them. What a joke for the Prairie Air Museum to not have Norm Wingler. Good to see posts from people that get it. "

Not quite right wrote on Nov 10, 2006 7:53 AM:

" One of the statements in the Friends of the Museum letter and that is stated in this article is not quite right. Norm is not THE founder of the museum, he is one of four founders of the museum, next time you are out at the museum look at the plaque on the wall. It is sad that they quite but it will not stop me from volunteering at the museum. I am sure you won't see anything bad about Norm or Fran from the mesuem, they have done a wonderful job and it was their decision to leave, the museum won't fall apart because of their leaving, it will continue on serving and educating the community. But regardless I am sure that there are going to be those that think different. "

Job Conger wrote on Nov 10, 2006 1:29 AM:

" When Norm decided to cut his ties as director of the Bloomington-Normal chapter of the the Heritage In Flight Museum in Springfield, he was a good head and continued so through the many years I have been privileged to know him. You can be sure that there is much more to your well-written but unhappy story than readers imagine. He would not take this action frivolusly. I extend my best wishes to Norm and to Prairie Aviation Museum. Job Conger AeroKnow Springfield, Illinois "

Geo. wrote on Nov 10, 2006 12:49 AM:

" The board playing king of the dungheap? "

!!!!! wrote on Nov 9, 2006 10:30 PM:

" What a great loss! Norm and Fran have done a great job over the years. We will all miss their heart and care for the PAM. Thanks to Norm and Fran for all the good times at the air shows here in Bloomington. "

Greenlee wrote on Nov 9, 2006 10:02 PM:

" I have had the wonderfull opportunity to work along side of these two great people in our community. I have been a pam volunteer since 2004 and a member of the museum since 2005. I am 18 years old. Thank You for all of you wisdom in guidance through the years, as I prepare to enter the United States Air Force as enlisted flight crew. If it wasn't for Norm, I'd prolly not be where I am at with that today. And Fran, Your Great!! thanks for everything you did. I will miss you guys and I am sad to see you go. Hey speaking of it remeber norm when you said I could be a future board member/ President?? Yep, your a good man. "

Something's wrote on Nov 9, 2006 8:41 PM:

" not right here, if the board wants to serve the membership, they need to explain what happened in a truthful and transparent manner. I, for one have questions as to what happened to make Norm and Fran step down from their posts; they've served this community and the members and visitors to the museum well over the years. I'd be very skeptical of any explanation that painted Norm and Fran in a poor way. Some answers need to be forthcoming. "

A PAV Fan wrote on Nov 9, 2006 7:18 PM:

" Norm and Fran really put their haerts out to Make the museum the place it is today. This is really sad. I hope that the fractiuousness is healed and their fine work is not forgotten "

yo wrote on Nov 9, 2006 6:33 PM:

" the founder quit??? methinks it must have been quite a problem there. who does the board answer to? maybe they should re-think their stance. "

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