PHOTO PROVIDED An architectural rendering shows the planned expansion of Piper Museum.

LOCK HAVEN — As the Piper Aviation Museum reopens March 4 to visitors for its 40th year of operation, museum leadership have announced plans for a significant facility expansion to meet growing visitor demand, accommodate an expanding aircraft collection and enhance educational and community programming.

The museum board of directors has approved a 9,600-square-foot addition to the museum’s current home in the historic Piper Aircraft engineering building at the William T. Piper Memorial Airport.

Founded in 1986, the Piper Aviation Museum preserves and celebrates the legacy of Piper Aircraft, the Piper family and Lock Haven’s pivotal role in aviation history. The museum currently encompasses 30,000 square feet of aircraft displays, archives and educational exhibits and attracts thousands of visitors annually from across the nation and around the world.

According to a press release from the museum, its visitors are at record levels and its collection continues to grow, including the recent acquisition of the prototype PiperJet.

However, the existing facility has reached full capacity, limiting the museum’s ability to accept additional aircraft, expand exhibits, or grow educational programming, the release noted. The approved expansion will create space to display up to 14 additional aircraft and introduce new interactive and educational exhibits.

“The expansion represents far more than added exhibit space,” said museum president, Ron Dremel. “It strengthens our role as an educational hub, community resource and regional economic driver. This is a transformative opportunity to preserve aviation history, inspire future generations and position the Piper Aviation Museum for decades of sustainable growth.”

The expanded facility will increase tourism to Lock Haven and Clinton County, support hands-on learning for K-12 students and deepen partnerships with local educators and employers. The project will also enhance internship opportunities, youth programming and provide additional space for community events and meetings.