Courtesy photo An Aviation Museum of New Hampshire volunteer, portraying the late Astronaut Alan B. Shepard, wows a youngster who visited the museum lately. The museum is hosting a volunteer open house in early April. (Courtesy photo)

LONDONDERRY – Anyone who would like to be part of a community of people who enjoy airplanes and aviation, and at the same time enjoy contributing to a good cause, is urged to put Tuesday, April 6 on their calendars.

For on that evening, the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire will be welcoming everyone who is interested in learning more about the volunteer opportunities available at the museum, whose mission is to “preserve the Granite State’s rich aviation past and inspire today’s students to become the aerospace pioneers of tomorrow,” according to executive director Jeff Rapsis.

The open house will run from 7-8:30 p.m. at the museum, 27 Navigator Road, Londonderry. Face coverings will be required; the facility is compliant with all local and CDC COVID-19 guidelines.

People planning to attend are asked to call 669-4820 and leave a message with your name, or send an e-mail to jrapsis@nhahs.org.

For more information, contact the museum at 669-4820 or go to www.aviationmuseumofnh.org.

Folks who attend the open house, which is the museum’s first of 2021, will meet some current volunteers and learn about the many ways to help the Aviation Museum carry out its mission.

Based on the 1937 art deco passenger terminal at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, the museum is a non-profit organization that “depends on volunteers to carry out our mission, which means everyone has the potential to make a big difference,” Rapsis said.

Some of the tasks typically performed by volunteers include helping to evaluate donations, cataloging items and assisting researchers with its historical archive.

For the education outreach program, volunteers help inspire young people of all ages about the physics of flight and the wonders of aviation.

For administration, volunteers help with memberships, fundraising, communications, and building maintenance.

Technically-minded volunteers help with the museum’s IT systems; those with aviation experience manage the museum’s Elite Flight Simulator, although anyone can be trained to operate it.

Those with mechanical or engineering experience may be interested in helping the Aviation Museum’s innovative student plane-build partnership with the Manchester School of Technology.

Volunteers are also needed to help with special events year round, such as the Aviation Museum’s annual car show, fund-raising gala, and more.

“Volunteering at the Aviation Museum is a rewarding way to give back to the community, and help light the spark of aviation in people young and old,” Rapsis said.

“As a side benefit, volunteers become part of a family that can lead to new friendships and opportunities,” he added.