Valley Relics Museum Launches Fundraiser to Avoid Closure

The nonprofit institution at Van Nuys Airport must secure $70,000 to cover a debt payment due this December.

Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Philanthropy

Valley Relics Museum Launches Fundraiser to Avoid Closure

Live Poll

Should the community provide financial support to keep local cultural museums open?

The Valley Relics Museum has launched an online fundraiser to help pay a $70,000 balloon payment due in December. The nonprofit, which houses over 30,000 artifacts, faces potential closure if the debt remains unpaid.

Why it matters

The museum, which relies on public support to maintain its collection, is struggling to overcome financial hurdles attributed to the pandemic. Securing these funds is critical to keeping the institution open for the local community.

The museum holds more than 30,000 artifacts within its current Van Nuys Airport hangar. It now faces a $70,000 balloon payment obligation to avoid permanent closure.

The players

Tom Gelinas

He is the founder of the Valley Relics Museum who established the organization to preserve regional historical artifacts.

Valley Relics Museum

It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving more than 30,000 artifacts related to the history of the San Fernando Valley.

The details

Founder Tom Gelinas established the museum at its current airport location in 2018 after moving from its former home in Chatsworth. The organization is now soliciting donations to bridge the gap caused by economic challenges linked to the pandemic.

2018: The museum opened at its current Van Nuys Airport location.
December 2026: A $70,000 balloon payment is due.

Market Landscape

The museum's fundraising effort highlights the post-pandemic financial recovery struggles of small nonprofit museums. This move positions the institution in a race to maintain its regional cultural footprint against broader economic volatility.

Local residents and history enthusiasts can support the museum through the active online donation portal. If the fundraising goal is not met by December, the community could lose access to the museum's extensive collection of regional artifacts.

The takeaway

Nonprofit institutions often rely on sudden infusions of community capital to survive unexpected debt obligations. Residents interested in supporting local history may find that direct donations are the primary way to ensure the museum continues its operations.