Poberezny Home Tours Start Off Strong

August 17, 2017 - EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017 attendees were able to tour Paul and Audrey Poberezny’s home on the AirVenture grounds for the first time ever, and more than 200 attendees took advantage of the opportunity. Long-time EAA members and newcomers alike were blown away by the sheer amount of history present on the premises.

The tours, which offered the opportunity to explore multiple buildings as part of the site on Waupun Road, cost just $5 and were accessible via provided transportation, as there is no public parking on site. Proceeds from ticket sales went toward the general care and upkeep of the Poberezny property.

“The Poberezny tour exceeded many expectations with the depth and breadth of information available that left the visitors in awe of the estate,” said EAA Aviation Museum Director Bob Campbell. “The docent-led tours throughout the facilities were very personal and informative on the life and history of Paul and Audrey. Many of the visitors that attended had a personal connection with Paul and Audrey and were very thankful that the tour was available.”

Attendees who went on one of the tours were able to explore Paul’s basement, his office above the garage, the “‘West Wing’,” the Annex, Paul and Audrey’s Memorial Garden, and the nature area encompassing the property for roughly an hour and a half.

Thousands of pieces of personal memorabilia from a lifetime spent in aviation are present along the way, and knowledgeable docents are on hand to add some perspective to the surroundings on the tour. Non-flash photography is allowed everywhere on the tour, so visitors can document the artifacts and memories on site.

The tour is wheelchair accessible; the bus to transport visitors accommodates wheelchairs, the sidewalks and driveways between buildings are paved, and all but two rooms are accessible without going up or down stairs. Those two rooms can still be experienced with photos and videos onsite for any visitors who cannot view them in person.

The home, now owned by Aircraft Spruce and the Irwin family, who had a five-decade-plus relationship with the Poberezny, is expected to be available for tours during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018 as well as during the rest of the year.

“Looking forward, once a schedule is in place, the docent-led tours will be available on a monthly basis,” Bob said. “Sign-up will be available at the museum store for $5. At AirVenture 2018, we will once again offer the tour. Online registration will still go through Extreme Tix for $5.”