From the first flights of biplanes on the Hempstead Plains to man’s walking on the Moon, Long Island has long been on the leading edge of America’s aviation and space exploration. In May 2002, the Cradle of Aviation Museum opened its doors to the public to display their vast collections in restored aircraft hangars. In 2024, a lighting upgrade was sorely needed.

Reed Burkett Lighting Design, collaborating with ERCO Lighting, embarked on a comprehensive lighting overhaul. Employing unique renovation methods, the team fixated on improving overall visual quality, minimizing glare, drastically reducing energy use, incorporating flexible controls, and enhancing the visitor experience.

Hundreds of antiquated theatrical fixtures were an operational nightmare and an excessive energy drain. The solution involved the removal of all existing lighting to be replaced with multi-circuit track, companion low-wattage LED accent lights, and wireless dimming control. Many of the suspended exhibits were revealed from concealed accent lighting mounted atop display cases. Painstaking fixture adjustments further elevated visitor experience and understanding. The grandeur of the museum collection is now apparent to all.

Jennifer Baxmeyer, executive director of the museum, summed it up best, “the new lighting not only enhances the visual clarity of our exhibits, it also significantly improves our preservation of arti facts and reduces our carbon footprint.”