The GAM’s next era is underway with the creation of the Capt. Manuel Cervantes Building, which will house our B-58 aircraft. The Hustler Bomber, as it was known, is a rare bird indeed, with only 116 ever created. Just eight of these planes remain and the one in our care – Tail #0663 – is the oldest of these survivors. The impact this plane had on aircraft development cannot be underestimated, and its preservation is important to aviation history.
With thousands of fans around the world, the Hustler is one of our most popular attractions in the air park. However, its decades-long exposure to the harsh Hoosier climate is beginning to take its toll and our work to maintain this historic artifact is being outpaced by time and weather. The creation of the Cervantes Building will not only allow us to preserve this increasingly endangered artifact but allow us to put the B-58 into its scientific and historical context.
The Cervantes Building is scheduled to be completed in three phases. Phase one, the construction of the building and the moving of the B-58 into its new home began in November 2025 and is currently underway. You can follow this progress on our facebook page. It is estimated that the plane will be able to be moved into the building by the end of January or early February 2026.
Phase two will focus on outfitting the building for environmental controls to help provide the best atmosphere for the Hustler’s preservation. Phase three will focus on creating immersive and educational exhibits that showcase the science, history, and art of the B-58, with a special focus on the people who flew these special bombers.
The total cost for the project is estimated to be $750,000 and we are pleased to announce that we have raised to date (12.18.25) $455,000 towards the project, which will help us complete phase one. To begin the funding for Phases two and three, a private donor with a special connection to the B-58 has funded a 1:1 match period through March 31, 2026. They will match every donation up to $200,000! The generosity of this match and your financial support will allow us to remain on schedule to open the new wing and its exhibits by the fall of 2027.
Since the opening of the museum in 1991, the GAM has been the premier location for military aviation history in Indiana and one of the only aviation museums in the region that has a special focus on the Cold War era. We are a living memorial to the service and sacrifice of military personnel like Capt. Cervantes and the impact Bunker Hill/ Grissom Air Force Base had on the region.
To build our future, we must honor their past. But we cannot do it alone and with your support, the stories of the B-58 will soon take flight.
There are three ways you can give to this project!
To learn more, please email executive director Rhiannon Cizon at director@grissomairmuseum.com
| Via credit card over the phone by calling: | (765) 689-8011 |
| Via check by mail or via cash, check, and credit card in person: | 1000 W Hoosier Blvd Peru, Indiana 46970 |
| Via credit card online here: |