On Dec. 1 of this year, Speciale will be retiring from the job. He is looking forward to spending time with his grandchildren.
“When I started here in 1985, the air museum was in somewhat dire financial straits,” he said. “They had moved to this location in 1981 and really had no money. They had put up one exhibit hangar and had to take out a 100-percent mortgage to pay for it. Pledges from five corporations were also running out.”
But the challenge of getting the air museum back on its feet appealed to Speciale. “At first the Board of Directors said they wanted a fundraising and development person,” he said. “I talked to them about it. They called back a few months later and said they really wanted an executive director. I saw it as a good opportunity. They had the people and the artifacts, and I wanted to see what I could do.”
With master’s degrees in social work and public administration, Speciale had helped the United Way establish 211 Infoline, a one-step connection to local services such as utility assistance, food, housing, child care, after-school programs, elder care, crisis intervention and other services.
“I always liked museums, organizing things and working with non-profits to achieve success,” he said. “I had no aviation background, but I’m pretty much an expert on airplanes now. I learned a lot here.”
Speciale also felt the air museum could be a great educational tool.
“What I’m the most proud of is that, over time, we created and expanded many educational programs,” he said. “Years ago, people came to the air museum to see airplanes. But now we have two missions: historic preservation, with the best collection of aircraft in the country, and education. We always have a docent on duty, and educators on weekends and in the summer to work with young people. We host Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and hold classes for merit badges.”
Speciale has also raised funds for several buildings used for aircraft restoration, exhibits, classrooms and offices. The air museum is debt-free, he said, and has a cash reserve. He credited others for helping him with what he has accomplished.
“We have a small but dedicated staff, a great board and 160 volunteers who make all he difference in the world,” he said.
Scott Ashton, president of the New England Air Museum Board of Directors, said in a press release that “Mike has been an enthusiastic and dedicated leader of the museum for nearly 30 years. Over that period he has led our steady expansion and has made it an important part of New England tourism. We are very grateful for Mike’s leadership and dedication to the mission of the New England Air Museum.”
New England Air Museum executive director to retire this year