Taxpayer dollars for the aerospace museum

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — Niagara County Legislature Majority Leader Randy Bradt and Deputy Majority Leader Christopher McKimmie presented a $15,000 Community Partnership Fund grant to the Niagara Aerospace Museum. Executive Director Lindsey Poloncarz, along with board members Don Erwin and Allison O’Connor, accepted the check on behalf of the museum.

The funding will help the museum to retain a curator to professionally catalog and inventory its collection of aerospace artifacts, helping preserve the collection while positioning the museum for future growth and opportunity.

“The Niagara Aerospace Museum preserves an important part of Western New York’s history, and as an Air Force veteran, that mission is especially important to me,” said McKimmie. “I have vivid memories of visiting the museum as a Civil Air Patrol cadet when it was located in the former Carborundum Center on Fourth Street. Preserving our rich aerospace history and making it accessible to future generations is something I’m proud to support.”

McKimmie has been a strong advocate for the museum and its future and has worked on these efforts with Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, who is also a veteran.

Both have supported efforts to increase the museum’s visibility, attendance and opportunities for future growth. In January 2026, McKimmie formally issued a letter of support for the museum and later worked with Majority Leader Bradt to help secure the county funding.

“The Community Partnership Fund allows us to make targeted investments in organizations that strengthen Niagara County,” said Bradt. “This funding will help the Aerospace Museum properly preserve and document its collection while preparing for future growth and new opportunities.”

“As veterans, Assemblyman Morinello and I understand the importance of preserving the history of those who served, as well as the aviation and aerospace industries that have played such an important role in our community,” McKimmie added. “Niagara County has an incredible aerospace story, and we want to make sure that story continues to be preserved, shared and built upon for generations to come.”