Museum of Aviation’s first director dies at the age of 87

WARNER ROBINS - Peggy Young, the first director of the Museum of Aviation, died Friday in Alexandria, Va., after suffering a stroke. She was 87.

According to a museum release, Young was responsible for the development of the museum beginning in the early 1980s. She served as director until her retirement in 1997.

“She worked tirelessly to build partnerships, create events, develop educational programs, find supporters and champions to make the museum a reality,” Pat Bartness, president of the Museum of Aviation Foundation, said in the release. “She made things happen and succeeded when absolutely no one else could have done it. She always praised the museum’s growth, but the museum wouldn’t be what it is today without Peggy’s leadership and vision.”

She was known for having once said the museum started with $20 and a roll of stamps. She opened the first museum building in 1984 and later oversaw the construction of Hangar One, the Eagle Building and the Century of Flight Hangar.

She will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery next to her husband, Bob Young, a World War II veteran. Survivors include two daughters, an adopted daughter and a son. Condolences may be sent to her daughter, Deborah Kamin, at 3608 Russell Road, Alexandria, Va., 22305.

To contact writer Wayne Crenshaw, call 256-9725.

This story was originally published January 25, 2014 at 2:29 PM with the headline "Museum of Aviation’s first director dies at the age of 87."