By Kelly Youngblood
A local museum dedicated to preserving the past will soon become a part of history.
After opening more than 20 years ago, Chanute Air Museum in Rantoul will close its doors permanently. The last day the museum is open to the public is Oct. 31.
Nancy Kobel, the president of the Chanute Air Museum board of directors for the last five years, said the decision was based on financial reasons.
“Nobody wanted to see this happen but it’s the best thing for the museum,” Kobel said.
The board learned this past January that Lincoln’s Challenge Academy would be moving out of the building that they share. That meant, in addition to regular operational costs, the museum would have to absorb the total cost of utilities as well as an increase in rent.
Kobel said the total cost to keep the museum up and running would have been around $65,000 a month.
“We came down to, ‘Let’s face reality.’ That led us to that decision to close,” she said.
“On the board, we didn’t want to have to make this decision but I tell you, people are very understanding and very supportive.”
Relocation of museum artifacts has already begun, which will allow “for the history to live on.”
“That’s the upside,” Kobel said. “But it’s sad to see it go, absolutely.”
The Chanute Air Museum opened in the spring of 1994, just months after the Chanute Air Force Base closed in September 1993.
The museum focused on military, aviation, and local history as well as what life was like at Chanute Air Force Base before it closed. It saw about 4,000-6,000 visitors on average each year.
Kobel said they noticed a decline in visitors during the economic recession in 2009, but they were successful in keeping the museum going despite the bleak economy.
The museum employed one full-time curator and several part-time employees.
The museum will still be open to the public until Oct. 31. Hours are Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for K-12 students and children 4 years and under get in free.