Pilot donates funds to save Armstrong childhood home for tours
A retired pilot recently helped a local historical society purchase the boyhood home of Neil Armstrong in Ohio.
Ken Schreiber offered money after reading news that the historic house was listed for sale without a buyer. He decided to act quickly to ensure the property would be preserved for future generations of visitors and students.
The Auglaize County Historical Society will receive the property following a donation of four hundred thousand dollars from the pilot. Schreiber spent twenty years serving in the Air Force before retiring to work for American Airlines.
Plans include restoring the two-story residence to match its appearance during the childhood years of the famous astronaut. Researchers have already begun studying how the home looked in the nineteen forties to guide the renovation efforts.
The house at 601 W. Benton St. was once a place where Armstrong conducted experiments and earned his pilot license. It has hosted many astronauts over the years including Buzz Aldrin who visited the room after Armstrong died.
“I just thought somebody has got to step up to the plate”