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The main exhibition hall at the Cradle of Aviation Museum is now The Donald Everett Axinn Air and Space' Museum Hall. Donald Axinn (center) is thanked by (left to right) Gerald Kessler; Norm Gandia former Blue Angel; Honorable Thomas Gulotta, Nassau County Executive; and Edward Smits, Cradle of Aviation Museum Planning Coordinator

Donald Everett Axinn, a long-time pilot, noted Long Island author, entrepreneur, and one of the region's premier commercial property owners, contributed $1.25 million to the Cradle of Aviation Museum.

Mr. Axinn's generosity will provide essential infrastructure for the Museum, galleries, and programs. To honor his donation, the Museum has named the main exhibit hall that houses the collection of 65 air and spacecraft the Donald Everett Axinn Air and Space Museum Hall.

Mr. Axinn expressed pride and satisfaction to be part of "this magnificent effort that depicts aviation on Long Island from its inception through the lunar module." Sharing family memories and his love of flying, he said, "My father first flew at

Roosevelt Field in the late 20's and 30's, and our experiences flying with him made an indelible impression. It took my first lesson when I was 15 and have flown more than 50 different types of aircraft, everything from old biplanes to jets."

Expressing gratitude for the gift, Gerald Kessler, President, Friends for Long Island's Heritage, explained the donation was particularly important because it comes from outside the aerospace industry. "His gift is recognition by one of Long Island's leading citizens that the Cradle of Aviation Museum is becoming an important institution that will reaffirm our regional and national heritage for generations- and that's a priceless gift."