Neil Armstrong’s childhood home to become museum in Wapakoneta

According to The Lima News, Neil Armstrong’s childhood home in Wapakoneta will be purchased by the Auglaize County Historical Society and converted into a museum.

The project is being made possible through a $400,000 donation from Kenneth Schreiver, a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot. The home is located at 601 West Benton Street and has been maintained by resident Karen Mikesell for approximately 40 years.

Schreiver learned the property was available after seeing it listed in a news feed. Concerned that the historically significant home could be lost, he arranged to establish a dedicated fund through the Wapakoneta Area Community Foundation. The historical society will use that fund to complete the purchase.

The society plans to restore the house to reflect the period when the Armstrong family lived there. The family moved into the home in 1944, and Armstrong remained there while attending high school through 1948 before leaving for college.

Historical society representatives have visited other preserved properties, including the Warren G. Harding Presidential Home in Marion and the Lauer Historical Farm in Lima, to gather ideas for an authentic 1940s presentation.

Money will also be reserved for ongoing maintenance. The historical society has committed $25,000 annually for five years to support the project.

The society hopes to complete the museum by 2030, which will mark the 100th anniversary of Armstrong’s birth. Limited public events at the property could begin within the next several months.