I have no axe to grind on either side of this debate (assuming there is a debate - the thread here does only contain one side of the story) but will post here as an interested observer. I do not know anyone at or connected with Old Rhinebeck, but perhaps my perspective can be of some help, as my job is running a decent-sized museum.
Not too long ago I paid my first and long awaited visit to Rhinebeck, and loved the air show side of the experience. What a magical airfield, what a magical set of airplanes, what a show!
However, I was somewhat surprised and disturbed by the general state of the facility, the poor condition of many buildings, and particularly several aircraft and engines in the earth floored "display" hangars. There were some true historical treasures literally rotting away. This neglect seemed at odds with the great reputation of Old Rhinebeck in the aviation community.
As a strictly impartial observer the Spirit of St Louis project seemed like a bad idea to me... don't get me wrong, the quality of workmanship was utterly outstanding, but I left wondering why so much resource was being invested in the replica project, while some true historical treasures rotted away close by - and investment was so obviously needed in other areas.
It seemed to me that the last thing the Aerodrome needed was another airplane (it already has wonderful airplane resources). There seemed to be a lot of other things that were crying out for resources. On the evidence of what I have seen, the first things I would invest in at Old Rhinebeck would be some professional marketing materials and a much improved main retail facility... not yet another airplane (and as a side issue, one that would pose some serious operational safety issues).
I was curious to understand the financial position of the operation and looked up their previously submitted Form 990s on the web. If you want to see them yourself they can be accessed through Guidestar.
www.guidestar.com
(You will need to register and use the search facility).
Not surprisingly given what I had seen at the airfield, I learned that Old Rhinebeck is being run on a shoestring budget. As far as I can see, it is an operation teetering right on the edge of economic viability, and is extremely cash-poor.
As an impartial observer, I can understand any efforts being made by Rhinebeck's leadership to cut costs that are not ABSOLUTELY necessary, and a drive seek to increase all sources of income wherever possible. For that is what is desparately needed for the place to survive (and ultimately prosper).
However, again as an impartial observer, it seems that pissing off your volunteers is not a good start...
It is sad to see this very public breakdown of relations at Old Rhinebeck, because what the place obviously needs is a united effort to deal with the fundamental issues that face the aerodrome. I hope that a solution can be found, that the right leadership will come to the fore, and that the wonderful volunteers can find happiness.