We have exciting news to report concerning the development of our new, self-sufficient heritage and technology facility at the former Quonset Naval Air Station. This three-phase, $6 million project will include a recreation-based family attraction, educational center, events facility and workforce development hub. A large element of its appeal will be its focus on the aviation and maritime heritage of Narragansett Bay. 

Ambassador J. William Middendorf II / 62nd Secretary of the Navy has agreed to chair our fundraising effort.

He was successful at every professional level; Navy officer, businessman, diplomat, Secretary of the Navy. Last December Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro came to Newport to commemorate the naming of an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer for Middendorf—a rare honor for someone who is still living.

In addition to his career in public service, Ambassador Middendorf is widely-respected philanthropist and an accomplished author, artist, and composer. 

He became an investment banker and in 1963 in partnership with Austen Colgate formed his own company, Middendorf, Colgate and Company (with a seat on the New York Stock Exchange).

“Having learned how to make money,” he writes, “I wanted to learn how to make a difference.”

We are honored and humbled that one of the causes Ambassador Middendorf has decided to embrace is ours.