Galveston is indeed a in a VERY exposed position. Though this is the worst storm to hit there in a bit over a hundred years…have to keep that in context. It is, or at least was, a very popular tourist destination and thus people went to it. If you have no people going to your museum, it will eventually be wiped out as sure as a hurricane strike!

Kermit’s collection had been down on the Florida east coast and was badly damaged by a hurricane. He moved and set up at his current location, on high ground, 70 miles in from the coast, and near the big tourist attractions in Orlando. A safer location for sure, but you never know when a flood, tornado, fire, earthquake, or city council will strike!

My heart goes out for the folks down there. Not just the museum, the whole area is devastated. My folks still aren’t home in Houston, my daughter way up in Ohio has not had power for the last couple days thanks to Ike. 8-10 inches of rain and high winds went inland 500 miles…….just where is a safe place?

It does not look good. Several feet of surging saltwater and debris flooded through. The F-100 from out front is missing, so if you find one, please return it to LSFM. The freshly restored Hurri that was already damaged….parts of it were off site being repaired from the earlier incident. They have yet to allow folks out to survey the extent of the damage.

Well, Galveston took a mighty thrashing. The Lone Star Flight Museum is still standing but it sounds like extensive (expensive) damage. All museum personnel seem to be safe though. That is the most important. They did get the flyable A/C out.
Here is a chunk of a statement from LSFM

September 14, 2008 10:00 a.m. – Galveston, Texas

All museum staff are safe following passage of Hurricane IKE.

Damage to the museum is substantial. The extent of the damage has yet to be assessed by LSFM officials and staff. As soon as the preliminary assessment has been made we will post information here. As soon as possible we will let you know about reorganization and reopening.

Prior to IKE’s arrival, pilots were able to fly the following aircraft out of harm’s way: B-17, B-25, DC-3,P-47, F6F, F4U, SBD, AT-11, P-6 and the F8F.

We want to thank all of our friends and supporters for their thoughts and prayers.

Larry Gregory, President
September 14, 2008 10:00 a.m. – Galveston, Texas