Restored in synergy with the motor museum of the Palermo University museum system in view of the centenary of the armed force
Today, at the Historical Museum of Engines and Mechanisms of the Museum System of the University of Palermo, 22 completely restored historic aeronautical engines were presented in view of the 2023 Air Force Centenary, on the basis of a collaboration agreement between the two institutions .
The presentation event was attended by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General of the Air Squad Luca Goretti, and the Magnificent Rector of the University of Palermo, prof. Maximus Midiri.
"The Centenary of the Air Force, which we are preparing to celebrate with numerous events and initiatives throughout the country, will also be an extraordinary opportunity to bring together many of the cultural excellences of our country". declared General Goretti on the sidelines of the event. “An example of this is this beautiful synergy with the Museum of Engines of the Museum System, thanks to which we were able to take advantage of their unique skills in the restoration of historical material to bring back to their former glory some of the aircraft engines that have made the history of the Military Air Force during this century. Some of these precious memorabilia will be exhibited and valued in the Air Force Historical Museum of Vigna di Valle, a place that aviation enthusiasts from all over the world envy us and the ideal place for aircraft and objects that belonged to those who left an indelible mark on this 100-year journey".
Also present at the event were the Chief Inspector General (ric) Basilio Di Martino, President of the Committee for the Centenary of the Air Force, and the Air Brigade General Giovanni Francesco Adamo, Head of the 5th "Communication" Department of the Air Force General Staff, welcomed by the Director of the Museum, prof. Marco Cammalleri. The activity carried out is part of a vast museum research, protection and enhancement project of the historical motor heritage of the Air Force promoted by the Museum and curated by Eng. Giuseppe Genchi, curator of the Museum. Just over a year after the start of the project, the Museum has completed the restoration of 22 historic engines from various eras: six of these, particularly rare and of high historical value, will be exhibited in the renewed exhibition layout of the Air Force Museum Military, the others will expand the aeronautical exhibition area of the Motor Museum, which has also been renovated with the creation of a new room entirely dedicated to jet engines, inaugurated on the occasion by the Magnificent Rector and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
"We are particularly proud to actively participate in the celebrations of the hundred years of the Air Force with the realization of this project – underlined the Rector of the University of Palermo, Massimo Midiri – Thanks to this exemplary and virtuous collaboration between state bodies, an important collection of engines from the historical aeronautical heritage of our country is valued and returned to the community. The Historical Museum of Engines and Mechanisms, with its ability to narrate with extraordinary completeness the evolution of engines that are offered today to the widest possible use, confirms itself among the main players in the University's Third Mission, proving the fundamental role of UniPa as a cultural center for the development of the territory and society".
The project expands the numerous collaborative activities that have been successfully existing for ten years between the Motor Museum of the University of Palermo and the Air Force, and in particular with the 5th Department of the General Staff of the Armed Forces and its Historical Museum. In their respective fields, the two institutions have found the enhancement of the aeronautical historical heritage as the lowest common denominator, for which the collaborative activities will continue well beyond 2023. These range from documentary research to historical-technical consultancy, from the restoration of engines aimed at museum exhibition for cultural dissemination and promotion.
The Director of the University Museum System, prof. Paolo Inglese said: “the visit of the Chief of Staff can be defined as a 'historic' event for our Motor Museum and for this we are deeply grateful to him and I myself am grateful to the Director, prof. Cammalleri and the Conservator, ing. Genchi. That in such an intense historical moment for the Armed Forces, engaged in even particularly delicate international contexts, the Chief of Staff felt the pleasure and found the time to dedicate to the more than exceptional results of the work carried out by all the staff of the Museum, including collaborators and collaborators, it is a fact that fills us with pride and that gives prestige to the entire Academic Community".