WAPAKONETA, Ohio (WLIO) — Increased interest in space exploration following NASA’s Artemis II mission is drawing more visitors to the Armstrong Air and Space Museum.
The museum’s curator and director of communications, Logan Rex, spoke to Lima Rotarians about how renewed excitement surrounding lunar missions has boosted attendance. He said the recent mission has helped spark curiosity about space history, particularly in the hometown of astronaut Neil Armstrong.
Rex also highlighted efforts to expand the museum’s reach beyond its walls. Plans are underway to provide replica artifacts and storytelling displays at new Wapakoneta rest stops along Interstate 75, aimed at promoting the region’s connection to space exploration.
In addition, the museum has launched a multi-year renovation project designed to enhance its educational offerings. The upgrades will focus on immersive, experience-based exhibits to better engage visitors.
“Having things of interactivity, being immersed into the history. And it's, you know, one thing to learn about the Apollo 11 landing, but it's more than one thing you know of, you know, landing a lunar module, or being immersed in seeing what it feels like to actually be on the lunar surface,” Rex said. “So in the upcoming expansions that we're talking about, we're trying to keep that front and center that museums are changing and we need to change with the times as well.”
Rex said the museum hopes to complete renovations in time for NASA’s Artemis IV moon landing, currently targeted for 2028.
