The Shafter Press - Serving the community since 1922

The 80-year-old roof on the Minter Field Air Museum was peeled off this past week as the museum got a new roof thanks to the community's help.

Jamie Stewart | The Shafter Press

The work was finished earlier last week.

During the pandemic, the museum had to suspend the majority of its fundraising including the annual Wings 'n' Wheels event. The event typically provides a majority of the museum's funds as it brings in spectators from all over the country.

GAF Roofing Manufacturing Company, San Joaquin Construction Service and American Refuse, among others, stepped in.

Minter Field's Ronald Pierce said that the museum appreciates the generosity and support of these local businesses and the community.

"The museum's fundraising events have been shut down due to covid-19, but we still needed a new roof," Pierce said. "When the word went out that Minter Field Air Museum needed a new roof, in hard times you have people like this that step up to help."

The work was completed earlier last week.

"Thanks to some generous people of Kern County, once again the museum has a new roof and the wood under it may last another 80 years," said Pierce.