By Maggie Biunno

After years of financial turbulence at the Cradle of Aviation Museum, Nassau County Exec. Tom Suozzi is stepping into ensure the landmark does not crash.

The museum, located in Garden City, is full of Long Island’s historical memorabilia starting with the birth of aviation including the kite and hot-air balloon to the complexities of modern-day space travel. Since it opened four years ago, the Museum Row board of trustees has directed it. Their purpose was to give advice on developing the Mitchell museums.

Andrew Parton, vice president of marketing for the Cradle of Aviation, has worked on increasing attendance and awareness for the museum. He said that the board of trustees only gave guidance as an advisory board and never focused on any fundraising. Parton said that the end of the five-year agreement with the trustees was the reason that the financial problems became public this past spring. With the issues publicized, Eric Ricioppo was appointed president of the museum to regain financial stability.

Suozzi stated in a Sept. 26 press release that his goal was to raise $2 million with the help of the new board, plus an additional $1 million from ‘super-donors.’ His new plan will focus mostly on recruiting new members specifically to help the Cradle of Aviation museum. Although some members will re-commit, many such as recently resigned Sean Fanelli, president of Nassau Community College, will not be able to.

Parton explained that with success of the new plan the museum would no longer need the money from the county to stay open. Senior managers of corporations and wealthy individuals with an interest in aviation and supporting education on Long Island will fill the new members positions.

“I’m very confident this will work,” Parton said. “The big thing that hasn’t been done is going out and asking people. I think we will see that the community will support us.”